Also known as American Smoke Tree · Chittamwood · Seeded Eucalyptus
American Smoketree (Cotinus obovata) is a large shrub or small tree native to the southeastern United States, admired for its showy, smoke-like flower panicles.
At-a-glance light, water, soil, and growing conditions from plant data
Full Sun
100% intensity
Prefers full sun for best flowering and smoky plume development. Tolerates partial shade but may produce fewer plumes and have less vibrant fall color.
Moderate to Low
50% intensity
Water regularly when young. Established plants are drought-tolerant but benefit from occasional watering during dry periods.
Well-drained
50% intensity
Hardy
25% intensity
Adaptable to a wide range of temperatures. It thrives in temperate climates and is hardy in USDA zones 4-9.
Low
25% intensity
Rarely needs fertilization. If desired, a light application of balanced fertilizer in early spring is sufficient.
Safety information from plant toxicity data
| Attribute | Value |
|---|---|
| Toxic for humans | No 0/5 intensity |
| Toxic for pets | No 0/5 intensity |
Non-toxic to pets and humans.
Key traits and growing stats from plant data
Watering, pruning, propagation, and repotting details from plant data
Water regularly during the first growing season to establish a deep root system. Once established, American Smoketree is quite drought-tolerant.
Water during prolonged dry spells, ensuring the soil dries out slightly between waterings. Avoid overwatering, as this can lead to root rot.
Prune to shape the plant and remove any dead, damaged, or crossing branches. For best flowering and the characteristic smoky appearance, prune in late winter or early spring before new growth begins.
To encourage bushier growth, prune back stems to encourage branching.
Propagation is typically done through softwood or semi-hardwood cuttings taken in late spring or summer. Root cuttings in a well-draining propagation mix under mist or in a humid environment.
Seed propagation is possible but can be slow and may not result in true-to-type plants.
Repotting is generally not necessary for established American Smoketrees as they are typically planted in their permanent location. Young plants in containers should be repotted into a larger container when they become root-bound, usually every 2-3 years, in early spring before new growth starts.
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Monthly activity intensity for bloom and fruit across both hemispheres.
Flowering & fruiting calendar
Flowering & fruiting calendar
Photos of American Smoketree (Cotinus obovatus)
Where American Smoketree (Cotinus obovatus) is found
Density
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Common names and botanical synonyms
Botanical classification
| Rank | Name |
|---|---|
| Kingdom | Plantae |
| Division | Tracheophyta |
| Class | Magnoliopsida |
| Order | Sapindales |
| Family | Anacardiaceae |
| Genus | Cotinus |
| Species | Cotinus obovatus |
Similar in genus Cotinus
Answers based on plant encyclopedia data
