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Cotinus obovatus
American Smoke Tree
Plant Type:
TREESCotinus obovatus - 4(+) feet tall in 3 Gallon pots. Nice, easy-going tree with an upright oval outline composed of alternately-set 2 to 3 inch, matte-finished leaves in a medium to light green tint. These develop beautiful, consistent confetti fall colors. Cotinus obovatus produces buff to yellow-green puffs of "smoke" up to 10 inches long and may grow up to 7.5 inches wide. The smoke is actually silky, billowy hairs containing multitudes of tiny yellow-green florets. On mature specimens the bark becomes increasingly scaly and interesting. Due to over-harvesting for the yellow dye it makes when processed the American Smoke Tree nearly went extinct during the Civil War. Today, populations are naturally found in Tennessee, Alabama and on the Edwards Plateau in Texas. The American Smoke Tree also goes by other common names, Texas Smoke Tree, Wild Smoke Tree, Smoke Tree, Smokebush and Chittamwood (whatever the hell that is?!). Site in full sun exposure planted in average to fertile draining soil. Added dolomitic limestone may be beneficial. Established small tree grown from cutting.
Height:
20-30 ftSpread:
20-28 ftColors:
Buff Yellow, Yellow GreenItem | Description | Price |
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Characteristics and Attributes for Cotinus obovatus
Season of Interest (Flowering)
- Spring
Season of Interest (Foliage)
- Spring / Summer / Autumn
Interesting Bark
- Scaly
Autumn Interest
- Autumn Leaf Color
Nature Attraction
- Deer Resistant
Light
- Full Sun
Attributes
- Drought Tolerant
- Alee
- Specimen
- Accent
Growth Rate in the Garden
- Moderately Fast
Soil
- Calcareous
- Draining
- Average
- Fertile
Origins
- Southern to Southwestern U.S.
Propagated By
- Cutting Grown