Cotinus coggygria - fog tree (Forest alveolus)

Genus of two species of deciduous trees and shrubs found in rocky habitats from the Mediterranean region, China and the southern United States. Cotinus coggygria is a deciduous shrub or small tree up to 3-5 m tall. It has an erect habit, with a densely branched and rather untidy crown; it tends to grow both in height and in width, giving rise to a rounded shrub. The branches have greenish bark, which becomes gray with the passing of the years, quite smooth. The leaves are oval, with a very long petiole, of a bright green color that in autumn take on magnificent shades ranging from yellow to pink or even red-orange. The peculiar characteristic of this species is that in spring it produces large, feathery pink inflorescences, which resemble cotton candy in shape.

Pedoclimatic requirements

This decorative shrub should be grown in full sun, in well-ventilated areas. It prefers deep, very well-drained, not too rich soils but it develops without any problem in any soil even in those that tend to be clayey. Once established, this species tolerates heat and drought although it benefits from emergency irrigation during particularly dry summers. Rustic species that resists cold and frosts up to -12°/-15°C.

Botanical Information

Botanical Name: Cotinus coggygria

Family: Anacardiaceae