American smoketree
Cotinus obovatus
GCA Plant of the Year 1998; MBG Plant of Merit 2008
USDA zones4 to 8
SunHandles full sun to partial shade
WaterHandles dry to moist soil
Size20 to 30 feet tall20 to 30 feet wide
- Growth rate
- Slow
- Bloom season
- Spring, summer, autumn
- Bloom color
- Yellowish-green
- Foliage color
- Blue-green above, pale below.
- Soil types
- Sand, loam, clay
- Soil pH
- Acid, alkaline, neutral
Garden uses
Attracts
Notes
American smoketree (Cotinus obovatus) is a tree for specimen plantings, accent, and privacy screen use. It is hardy to USDA zone 4, or down to -30°F (-34°C). This plant likes full sun to part shade and dry to moist, sandy, loamy, or clay soil. Hairy flower stalks form clouds that look like smoke, and fall leaves turn flaming orange and red. Deer tend to browse other plants first. Give it little fertilizer, since rich soil can make a weak plant.
Pairs well with Blue fescue, Standing Ovation little bluestem, and Blue sage.
Native range
Southern United States.