Smoketree

Cotinus coggygria Scop.

Family: Anacardiaceae

Pet & Human Safety

People: Skin irritant to peoplePets: Not on the ASPCA lists as we read them

Hazardous parts

resinous sap

Preparation

n/a

Hazard type

NC State notes the plant is in the poison-ivy family: contact with the resinous sap may cause contact dermatitis, especially in people sensitive to poison ivy.

Hazard route

skin

How complete this information is

We have not researched the safety of this plant yet.

Toxic to pets

No ASPCA entry found.

Dogs, cats, horses: the NC State page carries no poisonous or 'problem for' pet tags; its only problem tag is contact dermatitis for people. That is silence on pets, not an all-clear.

PlotAndPetal cannot tell you whether a plant you found can be eaten. Only someone who can see the plant can identify it.

Look-alike warning

Could be mistaken for Other plants with a similar name or look. To tell them apart: Match on the scientific name, Cotinus coggygria, not on the common name.. Look-alike: Cotinus obovatus (American smoketree or chittamwood, native to the southern US) is a different species. The names 'smoketree', 'smokebush' and 'wig-tree' are used for C. coggygria (NC State, UF/IFAS).

Poison control

If someone has collapsed, cannot be woken, is having a seizure or has trouble breathing, call 911 now. For any other possible poisoning, call Poison Help: 1-800-222-1222.

Emergency number source: U.S. federal law (47 U.S.C. § 251(e)(3)), read 2026-10-07.

Naturalist Lore

Historical Background & Breeding Lore

The history of this plant and its name, and how it was bred, where we have them.

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Care

Hardiness zones: USDA 4a-8b per NC State Plant Toolbox; USDA 5B-8B per UF/IFAS EDIS ST202 (cultivar 'Daydream' sheet)
Light: Full sun (NC State); purple-leaved forms in shade may revert to green. UF/IFAS: full sun; leans toward the light in partial sun.
Water needs: low
Mature size: US: NC State: 10-15 ft tall and 10-15 ft wide; US-FL: UF/IFAS ('Daydream' cultivar): 10-15 ft tall (occasionally 20), 10-18 ft spread
Where it comes from: Southern-central Europe to China (NC State: S. Central Europe to China). Not native to North America (UF/IFAS).

Soil & Drainage

Pruning & Flush Rhythm

Feeding Schedule

How to prepare the soil, when and what to feed, and how and when to prune where that applies.

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