Smoke bush, Cotinus coggygria, is a deciduous shrub or small tree often used as a garden specimen thanks to its beautiful purple-pink smokey plumes and the purple leaves found on some cultivars. Smoke bush has an upright, multi-stemmed habit. The leaves are waxy green except for those cultivars with purple leaves. Ovate-shaped leaves grow up to 3 inches long, turning yellow, orange, or purplish-red in fall, depending on the variety. The name “smoke bush” derives from billowy hairs attached to the flower clusters, which remain in place through the summer, turning a smoky pink to purplish-pink as the weeks progress. Description from The Spruce
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Safe Beneath Power Lines?
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The urban environment presents dangers to wildlife that they are not always adapted to overcome. Reducing urban hazards is an essential part of enhancing habitat in cities. After all, we do not want to lure wildlife into our neighborhoods only to have them fatally collide with our windows.

Take a virtual trip across Capitol Hill to learn about urban habitat types, how to identify the unique birds they support, and what we can do to make the neighborhood a safer place for them to live.

Some introduced plant species can diminish biodiversity. Other plants produce poisons that can harm wildlife. Learn what plants to avoid when figuring out what to plant or remove in your outdoor space.

New types of vegetation can attract additional wildlife to an area. You might be surprised how a little green can go a long way!

Learn about the diversity in pigeon populations in the United States and the implications of this variability on the species.

This workshop will guide you through the process and materials needed to help you decide if Mason Bees are right for you and your garden, whether you have a small deck or an open garden.
Nature of Your Neighborhood is a collaboration between Birds Connect Seattle, the Capitol Hill EcoDistrict, and the Seattle Bird Conservation Partnership. Our goal is to foster relationships between the people and the nature of their neighborhoods.