Common Name(s): Smoke Tree

Synonym(s):

Family: Anacardiaceae

Native To: Southern Europe and Asia

Native Habitat: Dry rocky hillsides, or open woods

Growth Habit: Shrubby tree

Flowering: Produces smoky pink flowers on current season growth

Distinguishing Characteristics:

Natural History and Cultivation Notes: As the common name denotes, this tree is named because when it is in bloom it has the appearance of pleasant mauve-colored smoke or cloud. Native to colder climates than Tucson, it appreciates afternoon shade and some extra water during spring when flower buds are setting. Suffers some in the worst heat. It has many cultivars with varying shades of leaf color which are a good addition for color contrast.

Ethnobotany: Smoke tree has some uses in traditional medicine, for example, to stop bleeding, as a gargle, as well as for tanning and dyeing hides. And is used today by chemists for the extraction of essential oils which are used in and for the production of many major products.

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