Know Your Trees: Smoketree

Today on Know Your Trees, GM is discussing a tree that is not currently seen on Georgetown streets, but will be soon: the smoketree.

The smoketree is really more of a large shrub that can in some cases be trained into a tree form (somewhat like hydrangea). The tree is going to be included in future tree plantings around Georgetown, so you will see them soon.

And what will let you know that you’re looking at a smoketree is the characteristic flowers the tree blooms in the spring. They are extremely puffy and light flowers that, well, look like smoke:

The colors of the flowers don’t always look that brown though. Sometimes they’re more pink like the photo on top. Or even a redder color:

So keep an eye out next spring for the smoke!