James Burghardt
Family
Anacardiaceae
Botanical Name
COTINUS coggygria 'Ancot'(GOLDEN SPIRIT™) PP13082
Plant Common Name
Common Smokebush, European Smokebush, Golden Spirit™ Smokebush
General Description
The spectacular gold leaves of Golden Spirit™ smokebush age to lime green and turn shades of golden amber, crimson, purple and wine red in fall. The only downside is it produces few flowers and smoky fruits, still its foliage is a standout. It makes a fine addition to shrub borders or foundation plantings.
At its showiest, few shrubs are as pretty and effusive as the common smokebush. It does not become too large and may be multi-trunked and shrubby or single-trunked and tree-like. Originating from southern Europe to eastern China, it naturally exists along hillside forests and mountain thickets. With age, most specimens develop rounded, open crowns.
The rounded leaves of golden smokebush are attractive, distinctive and brilliant shades in fall. In summer, a few sparse panicles of inconspicuous flowers appear followed by long, curled, densely-packed, hair-like fruits. Unlike most smokebushes, these offer little ornamental value
Common smokebush prefers sites with full sun to partial shade and moderately fertile to rocky, poor well-drained soil. It is quite slow growing, and has strong limbs that resist breaking, so pruning is rarely required. Pests and disease problems are few but it may succumb to leaf spots—particularly in humid, moist weather. Occasionally, leaf rollers are a problem.
Characteristics
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AHS Heat Zone
9 - 3
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USDA Hardiness Zone
5 - 9
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Sunset Zone
2a, 2b, 3a, 3b, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 11, 12, 13, 14, 15, 16, 17, 18, 19, 20, 21, 22, 23, 24
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Plant Type
Shrub
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Sun Exposure
Full Sun, Partial Sun
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Height
4'-6' / 1.2m - 1.8m
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Width
4'-5' / 1.2m - 1.5m
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Bloom Time
Late Spring, Early Summer
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Native To
Eastern Europe, Central Asia, China
Growing Conditions
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Soil pH
Neutral, Alkaline
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Soil Drainage
Well Drained
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Soil type
Clay, Loam, Sand
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Growth Rate
Slow
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Water Requirements
Average Water
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Habit
Oval/Rounded
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Seasonal Interest
Spring, Summer, Fall
Ornamental Features
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Flower Interest
Insignificant
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Flower Color
Green
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Fruit Color
Light Pink, Gray Green
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Foliage Color (Spring)
Yellow, Gold
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Foliage Color (Summer)
Lime Green, Gold
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Foliage Color (Fall)
Gold, Burgundy, Crimson
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Bark Color
Sandy Brown, Gray
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Fragrant Flowers
No
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Fragrant Fruit
No
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Fragrant Foliage
No
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Bark or Stem Fragrant
No
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Flower Petal Number
Single
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Repeat Bloomer
No
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Showy Fruit
No
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Edible Fruit
No
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Showy Foliage
Yes
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Foliage Texture
Medium
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Foliage Sheen
Matte
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Evergreen
No
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Showy Bark
No
Special Characteristics
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Bark Texture
Platy
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Usage
Feature Plant, Foundation, Hedges, Mixed Border, Screening / Wind Break
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Sharp or Has Thorns
No
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Invasive
No
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Self-Sowing
No
