Smoke bush Cotinus coggygria 'Young Lady' (PBR)

Names

• Family

  Anacardiaceae.

• Synonyms

  Smoke Bush, Young Lady Smoke Tree, Venetian Sumach, Young Lady Smoketree.

• Common names

  Cotinus coggygria 'Young Lady' (PBR).

Toxicity

• To humans

  Smoke tree is not commonly known to be toxic to humans. However, as with many plants, individual allergies or sensitivities could potentially cause mild irritation or an allergic reaction when in contact with the skin or if parts of the plant are ingested. There is no well-documented case of Smoke tree causing severe poisoning or symptoms in humans from ingestion, but it is always advisable to avoid eating parts of ornamental plants due to potential unknown toxins or the possibility of individual adverse reactions.

• To pets

  Smoke tree is not commonly known to be toxic to pets either. As in humans, individual pets may have sensitivities that could lead to mild gastrointestinal upset or an allergic reaction if they come into contact with or ingest parts of the plant. While it does not appear on lists of plants that are highly toxic to pets, caution should be used to prevent pets from ingesting ornamental plants, as they are not intended for consumption and can potentially cause digestive or health issues due to a pet's individual reaction or physical condition.

Characteristics

• Life cycle

  Perennials

• Foliage type

  Deciduous

• Color of leaves

  Varies

• Flower color

  Pink

• Height

  5 feet (1.5 meters)

• Spread

  5 feet (1.5 meters)

• Plant type

  Shrub

• Hardiness zones

  5

• Native area

  Europe

General Benefits

• Decorative Foliage: The plant features attractive, round foliage that changes color through the seasons, from green to stunning autumnal hues.
• Fluffy Smoke-Like Blooms: Produces unique, feathery flowers in summer, which resemble puffs of smoke and add visual interest to the landscape.
• Drought Tolerance: Once established, it is quite tolerant of dry conditions, requiring minimal watering.
• Low Maintenance: Cotinus coggygria 'Young Lady' is known for being easy to care for and doesn't demand frequent pruning or special treatments.
• Wildlife Attraction: The blooms attract beneficial insects, which aids in pollination and can help maintain a healthy garden ecosystem.
• Compact Size: As a relatively small cultivar, it is suitable for smaller gardens where space is limited.
• Seasonal Interest: Provides year-round interest with its changing foliage, flowers in summer, and ornamental seed heads in autumn and winter.
• Easy Propagation: Can be easily propagated from cuttings, allowing gardeners to create more plants for other areas of the garden or to share with others.
• Versatile Planting Options: Works well in mixed borders, as a specimen plant, or even in large containers, offering flexibility in garden design.

Medical Properties

This plant is not used for medical purposes.

Air-purifying Qualities

This plant is not specifically known for air purifying qualities.

Other Uses

• Smoke Bush's dried flowers can be used in potpourri mixes for adding a natural and unique texture to the blend.
• The dense foliage of Smoke Bush can provide a natural privacy screen in gardens and outdoor living spaces.
• Due to its striking foliage and flowers, the Smoke Bush can be used as a living sculpture or focal point in contemporary garden design.
• The wood of the Smoke Bush can be used in small woodworking projects for its interesting grain and color.
• Photographers may use the Smoke Bush as a backdrop in portraits and macro photography due to its unique and ethereal flower clusters.
• Its colorful leaves can be collected in the fall and used for crafts, such as making leaf prints or adding to homemade wreaths.
• Smoke Bush can be incorporated into a sensory garden for its soft, smoke-like flower texture and vibrant foliage.
• During winter, the distinctive seed heads and bare branches of Smoke Bush can be used in decorative outdoor arrangements and festive decor.
• As it resists deer and other herbivores, Smoke Bush is ideal for gardens in areas with wildlife.
• In permaculture, the Smoke Bush can be used as part of a guild to support biodiversity and attract beneficial insects.

Feng Shui

The plant Smoke Bush is not used in Feng Shui practice.

Plant Symbolism

• Transformation: The Cotinus coggygria, commonly known as the Smoke Bush or Smoke Tree, undergoes remarkable color changes through the seasons, symbolizing change and transformation.
• Spirituality: The 'smoke' of the Smoke Bush, created by the billowy hairs on the spent flower clusters, is thought to symbolize spiritual ascent or a connection to the ethereal plane.
• Mystery: The Smoke Bush's distinctive, misty 'smoke' can also represent mystery and enigma, echoing the plant's elusive, smoke-like visual effect.
• Illusion: With its smoky appearance, the Smoke Bush can symbolize illusion or the act of obscuring the true form of something, suggesting things are not always as they appear.
• Beauty in Aging: As the Smoke Bush matures through the seasons and its leaves turn brilliant colors, it symbolizes the beauty and grace that comes with age and the passing of time.