Smokebush is a deciduous shrub or small tree that can grow up to 6 meters tall. It has roundish leaves that are typically 4-8 centimeters long. The leaves emerge with a reddish-purple color in spring then turn green over the summer.
In midsummer, smokebush produces airy panicles of tiny greenish-yellow flowers. As the flowers fade, the pedicels supporting them turn from red to white and remain on the plant, giving the floral panicles a feathery, smoke-like appearance. This is how the plant got its common name.
Cotinus extract has become popular in skin care products. It is touted as an antioxidant and anti-inflammatory ingredient that may help protect skin from free radicals and environmental damage.
- Cotinus extract - A botanical extract from the leaves, stems, or flowers of the smoke tree, used for potential health and skin benefits.
- Smoke tree - The common name for the entire Cotinus coggygria plant species cultivated for ornamental purposes.
Cotinus coggygria is commonly known as smoke tree because of the unique "smoke-like" appearance of its blooming panicles.
In early summer, the shrub flowers with large plumes of tiny greenish-yellow blooms. As the flowers fade away, the pinkish-red flower stalks (pedicels) remain on the plant.
When the wind blows, these wispy dried pedicels move in the breeze, creating a cloud-like smokey or misty effect throughout the foliage. This resembles puffs of smoke swirling through the branches, hence the common name smoke tree or smokebush.
Cultivars such as 'Royal Purple' and 'Velvet Cloak' have especially prominent smoke-like flowers that provide striking visual interest in the landscape. The smoke tree blooms develop their signature smoke appearance in mid-to-late summer and can persist into fall.
Considered non-toxic. Have been used in herbal medicine without adverse effects at normal doses. Contains lower levels of plumbagin than other parts. Should not be eaten in large quantities.
May contain higher plumbagin concentrations and other unknown compounds. Caution is advised - bark should not be ingested. Handle with gloves to prevent skin irritation.
- 'Royal Purple' - Deep reddish-purple leaves. Slightly less toxic than the species.
- 'Velvet Cloak' - Dark maroon foliage. Contains less plumbagin than 'Royal Purple'.
- 'Grace' - Green leaves, pink flowers. Lower toxicity than other varieties.
- 'Young Lady' - Dwarf variety with green/purple foliage. Toxicity not well studied but appears low.
- 'Golden Spirit' - Yellow foliage. Likely has comparable toxicity to the species.
Tea Tree - Tea tree oil contains anti-inflammatory, antimicrobial, and wound healing compounds. Used to treat skin conditions and infections.
Neem - Neem bark, leaves, seeds, and oil contain over 140 bioactive compounds. Used in Ayurvedic medicine to treat inflammations, infections, fever, skin diseases, and dental issues.
Peppertree - Historically used to treat arthritis, inflammation, gout, asthma, colds, and dental problems. Contains pain relieving compounds.
Willow - Willow bark contains salicin, a chemical similar to aspirin. Used for centuries to relieve pain and inflammation.
Sandalwood - Sandalwood essential oil promotes calmness and relaxation. Used topically and aromatically for skin healing. Also used for respiratory issues.
Of course, even the most healing medicinal plants can cause adverse reactions if used incorrectly. One should consult an expert before using plant-based treatments. While many trees have therapeutic potential, more human research is needed on efficacy and safety.
Others argue it is relatively non-toxic to humans if ingested in small amounts. They point to a long history of medicinal use of Cotinus leaves and flowers without adverse effects at appropriate dosages.
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