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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Despite the urban character and the high population density, a surprising diversity of life exists in Capitol Hill. Explore a few physical aspects of our urban ecosystems and meet some of its more-than-human residents.

Do you want to plant a tree, create butterfly habitat, or start a vegetable garden but don’t have a yard? Learn how planting strips are a great place to start your own garden!

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

Gardeners can check out seeds for free from the library to plant. Then after harvest, gardeners bring seeds back to the library for others to enjoy in future growing seasons.

Learn about container gardening with shrubs, trees, herbs, veggies, perennials, and annuals. A special focus will be on plantings that provide pollinators with food and that encourage bird habitat.

Check out our list of local wildlife-supporting plant stores and nurseries, organizations, and community science opportunities.
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.