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Definition of smoke tree
smoke tree
Plural:smoke trees
smoke tree Lexical Profile
CEFR
C1
Grade
8
Tier
3
Usage
Rare
• noun
1
A deciduous shrub or small tree of the genus Cotinus (such as Cotinus coggygria), native to Eurasia and North America, widely cultivated in landscaping for its large, feathery, smoke-like clusters of flowers and seeds.
Example
"We planted a purple smoke tree in the garden to add a striking burst of color and texture during the late summer months."
Synonyms
View all synonyms for smoke tree• Nearby Words
Word Origin & Etymology
Named for the wispy, feathery panicles of its spent flowers that give the visual illusion of a cloud of smoke surrounding the branches.
Cite this Entry
Wordmom. (2026). Definition of Smoke tree. In Wordmom Dictionary. Retrieved Oct 12, 2026, from https://wordmom.com/dictionary/smoke tree