Skumpia
Mackerel (lat. Cotinus) is a deciduous shrub or tree of the Sumacaceae family. Under natural conditions, mackerel grows in the temperate zone of Eurasia and eastern North America.
The crop is widely cultivated in southern Russia, Crimea, the Caucasus and China. The genus includes two species: common mackerel, or leather mackerel (lat. Cotinus coggigria) and obovate mackerel, or American mackerel (lat. Cotinus obovatus).
Characteristics of culture
Mackerel is a strongly branched deciduous shrub or tree 2-12 m high with a rounded crown, grayish-brown flaky bark and reddish or green bare shoots that secrete milky sap at the break. The leaves are simple, alternate, entire or slightly toothed, ovate or obovate, sitting on thin petioles. The flowers are numerous, often underdeveloped, staminate or bisexual, yellow or greenish, collected in large sparse paniculate inflorescences. Mackerel blooms in May — June, in the southern regions several times a season. The fruit is a dry obovate drupe, ripens in July — August.
During the period of fruit formation, the stalks become greatly elongated and covered with white or reddish hairs. As a result, the panicles acquire a very decorative appearance. Visually, the crown of bushes and trees is similar to a bluish-pinkish or reddish cloud. In this form, the mackerel flaunts from June to December. That is why the plant is often called a greenhouse or smoke tree. At the beginning of September, the mackerel changes the color of the leaves: first they become crimson on the veins and edges, and then are completely covered with this shade. Often the color shows purple, orange, bluish or metallic shades.
Growing conditions
Skumpia prefers open sunny areas, warmed up throughout the day and protected from northern winds. The culture has a negative attitude towards shading; young shoots do not have time to ripen and die in winter. Soils for growing mackerel are preferably neutral, fresh, well-drained, with a high content of lime. Plants easily tolerate slight salinity. The crop does not accept waterlogged and compacted soils, as well as lowlands with accumulation of cold water.
Reproduction and planting
Mackerel is propagated by seeds, green cuttings, shoots and layering. Seeds need preliminary stratification for 5-6 months. Scarification of seeds followed by three-month stratification is not prohibited. Mackerel is sown in spring. Planting depth is 2 cm. An equally effective method is propagation by layering. The lower branches are pinned to the surface of the soil, and the bark is cut from below. After rooting, the branches are separated from the mother plant and transplanted to a permanent place.
Care
Mackerel is a moisture-loving plant that requires regular watering; overwatering should not be allowed. The main task of caring for mackerel is formative pruning, which the plant tolerates without any problems. Pruning is carried out once every 2-3 years in the spring, but before the leaves bloom. Annual shoots are shortened by 2/3. Rejuvenating pruning “to the stump” is allowed, subsequently the mackerel forms abundant growth and a compact spherical crown.
It is advisable to mulch the soil in the tree trunk zone; this procedure allows you to retain moisture for a longer period. Most varieties of mackerel are characterized by increased cold resistance, so plants do not need shelter for the winter. The crop is resistant to diseases and pests. The only scourge is verticillium wilt, which is caused by a fungus. In this case, the affected branches are cut off and burned. Formative pruning is also relevant for dwarf forms.
Application
Skumpia is a plant that is highly decorative and original. The crop is used in mixed and group plantings. Mackerel looks harmonious near the lawn. Plants are often used as bright spots in a variety of plant compositions. Surprisingly, scumpias are extremely good cut flowers and are ideal for winter bouquets. The plant is widely used in folk medicine.
