Description of Smoke Tree
Smoke tree is a small tree that is approximately 15 feet in height as well as width and the flowering period of this tree is from late spring to early summer. They are of two varieties, which are Smoke Tree and Smoke Bush. It is given such a name since when the tree begins to flower that is from June to August, it starts appearing like a red smoke. This appearance can be attributed to the panicles, which are branched cluster of flowers. Due to the appearance of the flower it is generally classified as an “Ornamental Tree”. Smoke tree has small and smooth leaves, which are round in shape, and their color would vary from blue-green to purple in various species. The leaves have red veins and the edges of the leaves are bordered with red. When the leaves of Smoke tree are crushed they smell like crushed orange peel. The fruit of the Smoke tree is irregular in shape, brown in color and approximately half of an inch in size.
Growth Requirements of Smoke Tree
It is very easy to grow a Smoke tree since it adds to the beauty of a place and has minimum growth requirements. This tree also remains free of pests and insects thus proving it to be a potential option for gardens and parks. Smoke tree grows well if it gets enough sunlight. In regards to the type of soil it requires, it can do well in all kinds of soil if it is well drained. This tree does not require much moisture; in fact it can also resist drought conditions as well as wet soil and climate. In fact it is observed that Smoke trees grow well in unproductive soils, thus facilitating the use of barren soils to get something fruitful. Moreover these trees when planted in fertile soils grow up to become huge with unhealthy foliage due to the fungal disease (Verticullum). As a matter of fact when this particular fungus attacks these plants they die early, due to which flowers fail to grow. The growth rate of the tree is medium. It can be found in the states of Tennessee, Alabama and Texas in the United States.
What are the Uses of Smoke Tree?
The tree can be used for decorative purposes as they have the pink, red or purple inflorescence, which would enhance the beauty of your patio or garden. You can also use the coppice of the plant as a fence for your garden or property. As stated earlier if you have a patch of barren land, plant these trees and add some vegetation to that part of land than keeping it empty and prone to erosion. During fall this tree makes a colorful picture since the leaves and the flowers both show such bright colors that it adds a character to the place where it has grown.
Smoke Tree comes in many varieties like Daydream, Grace, Nordine, Velvet Cloak, Royal Purple. Most of these types show similar characteristics with a few variations related to colors of the foliage and inflorescence.
