Specifications: Scientific Name: Cotinus obovatus Common Name: American Green Smoke Tree, American Smoketree, Chittamwood Family: Anacardaceae (Cashew, Sumac family) Native Locale: North America Mature Size: Ranges from large shrub (more than 8 feet) to medium tree (25-40 feet) Growth Rate: Slow USDA Hardiness Zones: 4-8Detailed Characteristics: Growth Habit: Can be grown as a large shrub, compact tree, small tree, or medium tree Warty brown-gray bark with a fish-scaled pattern adds winter interest Foliage: Spring leaves are silky pink, turning bluish to dark green in summer Fall leaves are vibrant shades of red, orange, yellow, and purple Flowers: Inconspicuous green-yellow clusters, 6-10 inches long Billowy hairs turn smoky pink to pink-purple in summer, creating a “smoke” effect Bark: Warty brown-gray bark with a fish-scaled pattern Adds visual interest in winter
Seasonal Interest: Spring: Silky pink emerging leaves Summer: Smoky pink to pink-purple flower clusters Fall: Vibrant red, orange, yellow, and purple foliage Winter: Warty brown-gray bark with a fish-scaled pattern
Care Instructions: Light Requirements: Thrives in full sun to partial shade Soil Needs: Prefers alkaline, well-drained soil Tolerates a wide range of soils, including clay and shallow rocky soil Watering: Drought-tolerant once established Prefers moist conditions but avoid overwatering Fertilization: Avoid over-fertilizing Prefers infertile loam soil Pruning: Can be pruned to maintain shape and size
Landscaping Uses: Specimen Tree: Ideal focal point for gardens and landscapes Mass Planting: Effective in groups for a dramatic effect Screen/Privacy: Can be used to create privacy screens or barriers Naturalized Areas: Suitable for meadows, naturalized gardens, and slopes Small Spaces: Manageable size makes it suitable for small gardens and patios Butterfly and Pollinator Gardens: Attracts butterflies, pollinators, and songbirds