Cotinus obovatus

Also Known As

American Smoke Tree
Smoke Bush

Plant type

tree

size

H: 20'-30'
W: 15'-20'

planting zones

5a-9b

More Options

Cotinus obovatus plant details

Cotinus obovatus is a broadleaf deciduous tree with green foliage. In spring and summer green and yellow flowers emerge. Drought tolerant once established. Adapts to various soil conditions. Does well in average and well-drained soil.

CHARACTERISTICS OF Cotinus obovatus

Plant type: tree
Plant family: anacardiaceae
Foliage: deciduous green
Mature size: 15 FT - 20 FT - wide, 20 FT - 30 FT - tall
Flowers: green and yellow blooms in spring and summer
Uses: fall color

GROWING CONDITIONS for Cotinus obovatus

USDA Zones: 5a - 9b
Sun exposure: sun

Soil needs: average and well-drained

Nursery contributed plant descriptions

One of our top picks for the very best autumn color, this fine southeast U.S. native creates a wonderful dense 20-30' shrub/tree, called Smokebush for its delightfully unusual, six inch, soft, filamentous hairs which are attached to its insignificant flowers, the hairs look much like puffs of smoke and turn pretty shades of pink to rose in summer, attractive blue-green leaves in summer turn to absolutely stunning shades of yellow-orange-red-purple; a fine and hardy plant that should hold a place in every garden! S/M-D For more detailed information, please see our blog post: Cotinus - The Striking Summer Smoketree

By: Forestfarm

This is our south eastern U.S. native smoke tree. The leaves are light green with a purple pink flush all summer. In fall, the foliage will turn brilliant pink. Flowers are not very showy but the fall color can be stunning.

By: Gossler Farms

Stunning autumn color. Its flaming fall foliage rivals that of Sugar Maple. Thrives in rocky, dry areas where other trees languish. Larger leaves than C. coggygria and much taller in stature at maturity.

By: Heritage Seedlings

American smoketree is a magnificent plant that can reach nearly 40' in height, and easily push 4-6' of annual growth when young, good drainage seems essential and plants on wet sites seldom thrive, fall color is wonderful.

By: Arrowhead Alpines

Green/blue-green foliage, purple-brown wispy flowers. Fall colors yellow, orange, amber, and red-purple

By: Lael's Moon Garden

My favorite tree for fall color! Larger and rangier than the usual Smoke Tree (to25') and rarely producing the 'smoke', the translucent leaves are unsurpassed for fall beauty. Zone 4.

By: Whitman Farms

This North American native is often grown as a large shrub, though it can be pruned to a lovely small tree to 20 ft high by 15 ft wide, with spectacular long-lasting fall color in shades of yellow, red, orange, or purple. The smoky summer flowers, handsome foliage, and drought and soil tolerance are nice attributes as well. May be in danger of extinction in the wild, having been overharvested for the yellow & orange dye in their wood. Full to part sun. -20F. USDA zone 5.