The Dawes Arboretum

Common name: Purple Supreme common smoketree

Family: Anacardiaceae (cashew family)

Distribution: Species native to Europe and Asia

Hardiness: USDA Zone 5

Life form: Deciduous tree

Comments: A medium-sized, deciduous shrub about 10-15' high and nearly as wide. Leaves appear as dark purplish red, reputedly keeping this color through summer. Dense flower clusters are pink-red plumes in late spring, early summer. Periodic rejuvenation retains dense, purple foliage and compact habit. Good plant for mass or striking specimen plant in shrub border.