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American smoketree
Scientific Name: Cotinus obovatus
Family: Anacardiaceae
Category: Dicot
Growth: Tree, Shrub
Duration: Perennial
Other Names: TN (American smoketree)
American Smoketree (Cotinus obovatus)
The American Smoketree, scientifically known as Cotinus obovatus, is a captivating deciduous tree or large shrub prized for its stunning fall foliage and unique flower clusters. Also known as Chittamwood, Smokebush, Wild Smoke Tree, Texas Smoke Tree, Mist Tree, or Venetian Sumac, this plant offers year-round interest in the landscape.
Considerations for Pets
- The text mentions the presence of resinous sap.
- The plant belongs to the Anacardiaceae (Cashew) family.
Considerations for Children
- The text mentions the presence of resinous sap.
Taxonomy and Nomenclature
- Scientific Name: Cotinus obovatus Raf.
- Family: Anacardiaceae (Cashew Family)
- Synonyms: Rhus cotinoides, Cotinus americanus
- Common Names: American Smoketree, Chittamwood, Smokebush, Wild Smoke Tree, Mist Tree, Smoketree, Yellow-wood, Texas Smoke Tree, Venetian Sumac.
Distribution and Habitat
- Native to the southeastern United States.
- Found in isolated stands in Alabama, Arkansas, and the Edwards Plateau of Texas.
- Scattered trees range north to Kentucky.
- Occurs on limestone glades.
- Hardy to zone 4.
Morphology and Growth Habits
- Typically grows as an upright, small tree or multi-trunked shrub, reaching 15-30 feet in height.
- Can also be a large shrub, 15 to 20 feet tall when grown in cultivation, eventually reaching 20 to 30 feet.
- Has a short trunk and an open crown of spreading branches.
- Distinctive round-headed form.
- Rounded bluish to dark green leaves that turn a spectacular mix of yellow, orange, and amber to red in the fall.
- Oval leaves, 5-8 inches or more.
- The bark on older branches can be very showy.
Ecological Role
- Easy to grow in poor environments. Rich soil can encage rapid growth, leading to a weak structure.
Interactions with Other Organisms
- Susceptible to verticillium wilt, a soilborne fungal disease that causes leaves to wilt and turn yellow around the edges.
Quirky Facts
- The common name "Smoketree" comes from the billowy, smoky pink plumes that follow the greenish-yellow flower clusters in June, giving the appearance of smoke.
- The champion American Smoketree of Connecticut made its debut on the list of American Forests Champion Trees in 2012, as it is the largest known tree of its kind.
- Discovered in Oklahoma by Thomu. Nuttall in 1819, only one more collection of this rare tree species within the state has been made.
Further Information
- Dave's Garden: A friendly community that shares tips and ideas for gardens, along with seeds and plants.
- Arborday.org Tree Nursery: Offers affordable bare root Smoketree trees.
- MGE's Tree and Shrub Database: American smoketree (Cotinus obovatus)
- Discover Life: Information on the biology, natural history, ecology, identification, and distribution of Cotinus obovatus.
- eNature's database: Search America's plants and animals.