Cotinus coggygria  Smoke Tree

Anacardiaceae

Small multitrunked deciduous tree from Australia. In same family as mangoes, poison oak, etc. Design height is 10', mature height is 20'. 'Cute' simple leaves, alternately arranged. 2 to 3" long, 1 1/4 to 2" wide, variable color, round. Flowers: terminal panicles, 8", pinks to purples. Blooms May to June. Fruit: very small pink capsules. Prefers full sun, moderate to light water. Likes loam, sand and rocky soil. Tolerates drought, heat and poor soil. Propagate from cuttings. Little pruning required, head back for tree. Uses: with natives, dary banks, erosion control, specimen. Good fall color, can be good as a container plant. Numerous cultivars. Photos taken at the College of Marin.