Is Smoke bush / smoke tree good for the Colorado Front Range?

Yes, Smoke bush / smoke tree is a well-suited shrub for Colorado's Front Range.

How far apart do I plant Smoke bush / smoke tree?

Space Smoke bush / smoke tree about 15 ft apart for a full, natural form, or about 10 ft apart for a faster hedge or screen.

Is Smoke bush / smoke tree hardy on the Front Range?

Smoke bush / smoke tree is hardy in USDA 4 to 8. The Colorado Front Range spans roughly USDA 4b to 6a, so it is well within range.

How much water does Smoke bush / smoke tree need?

It needs low to medium water once established.

How fast does Smoke bush / smoke tree grow?

Smoke bush / smoke tree is a moderate-growing shrub. Growth rate depends on water and site conditions on the Front Range.

What color does Smoke bush / smoke tree turn in fall?

Smoke bush / smoke tree turns red, orange, and purple in autumn. Fall color intensity varies with the season and site on the Front Range.

Is Smoke bush / smoke tree native to Colorado?

No. It is not a Colorado native, but it grows well on the Front Range.

Is Smoke bush / smoke tree deer-resistant?

Smoke bush / smoke tree is generally considered deer-resistant, though no plant is deer-proof when browse pressure is high.

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Smoke bush / smoke tree

Cotinus coggygria

Compiled by Nicholas Julia · Reviewed against CSU Extension & Plant Select® · Updated 2026-10-19

Smoke bush / smoke tree (Cotinus coggygria) is a shrub suited to the Colorado Front Range. It matures to about 10 to 15 ft tall and 10 to 15 ft wide, needs low to medium water, and prefers full sun. Smoky pink flower-fluff in summer; brilliant burgundy/red fall color. Purple-foliaged cultivars are popular.

On the CSU listlow to medium water10 to 15 ft tall and 10 to 15 ft wideXeric / water-wiseDeer-resistant

Photos

Photo 1: "Cotinus coggygria Скумпия кожевенная European smoketree" by LIght Dim is marked with CC0 1.0. To view the terms, visit https://creativecommons.org/publicdomain/zero/1.0/deed.en.
Photo 2: "Скумпия кожевенная European smoketree (Cotinus coggygria)" by LIght Dim is marked with CC0 1.0. To view the terms, visit https://creativecommons.org/publicdomain/zero/1.0/deed.en.
Photo 3: "Cotinus coggygria 'Royal Purple'" by wallygrom is licensed under CC BY-SA 2.0. To view a copy of this license, visit https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-sa/2.0/.
Photo 4: "Cotinus coggygria 003" by Kor!An (Андрей Корзун) is licensed under CC BY-SA 3.0. To view a copy of this license, visit https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-sa/3.0/.
Photo 5: "Cotinus coggygria (Smoke Tree)" by wallygrom is licensed under CC BY-SA 2.0. To view a copy of this license, visit https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-sa/2.0/.
Photo 6: "Cotinus coggygria 'Young Lady'" by wallygrom is licensed under CC BY-SA 2.0. To view a copy of this license, visit https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-sa/2.0/.

At a glance

Will it survive here?

Hardiness zones: USDA 4 to 8
Water needs: low to medium water
Sun: Best in full sun.
Soil: loam, sandy
Soil pH: 6.0 to 7.8
Hail tolerance: moderate
Wind tolerance: moderate
Salt tolerance: moderate

How big, what shape?

Mature size: 10 to 15 ft tall and 10 to 15 ft wide
Planting spacing: ~15 ft apart (10 ft for a hedge/screen)
Growth rate: Moderate

What it looks like, and when

Bloom time: early summer
Bloom color: pink
Fall color: Red, orange, purple
Foliage: Deciduous

Who else benefits

Pollinator value: low
Deer: Generally deer-resistant
Colorado native: No

Also worth knowing

Fire rating: Not rated

Planting & establishment

Water weekly first summer. Sharp drainage is critical.

Frequently asked questions

Is Smoke bush / smoke tree good for the Colorado Front Range?: Yes, Smoke bush / smoke tree is a well-suited shrub for Colorado's Front Range.
How big does Smoke bush / smoke tree get?: It matures to about 10 to 15 ft tall and 10 to 15 ft wide.
How far apart do I plant Smoke bush / smoke tree?: Space Smoke bush / smoke tree about 15 ft apart for a full, natural form, or about 10 ft apart for a faster hedge or screen.
Is Smoke bush / smoke tree hardy on the Front Range?: Smoke bush / smoke tree is hardy in USDA 4 to 8. The Colorado Front Range spans roughly USDA 4b to 6a, so it is well within range.
How much water does Smoke bush / smoke tree need?: It needs low to medium water once established.
How fast does Smoke bush / smoke tree grow?: Smoke bush / smoke tree is a moderate-growing shrub. Growth rate depends on water and site conditions on the Front Range.
What color does Smoke bush / smoke tree turn in fall?: Smoke bush / smoke tree turns red, orange, and purple in autumn. Fall color intensity varies with the season and site on the Front Range.
Is Smoke bush / smoke tree native to Colorado?: No. It is not a Colorado native, but it grows well on the Front Range.
Is Smoke bush / smoke tree deer-resistant?: Smoke bush / smoke tree is generally considered deer-resistant, though no plant is deer-proof when browse pressure is high.