While at the Waukesha Farmer's Market a few weeks ago, I came across this beautiful specimen of
Cotinus coggygria - or the 'Royal Purple Smoke Tree." It was growing along the banks of the Fox River which borders the area of the market. (Since they don't grow wild around here, it was no doubt cultivated by the city.) They are also known as a 'smokebush' and usually have these pretty fluffy flowers in mid-summer - and fortunately, do quite well here in the upper midwest.
