Cotinus obovatus
Cotinus obovatus, commonly called American smoketree, is a small, deciduous, rounded, native tree or large, upright shrub typically growing 20-30' tall and occurring on limestone glades, rocky limestone bluffs and will grow nicely in acidic loam, as well. Smoketree gets its common name not from the 6-10" flower clusters (tiny, insignificant, dioecious, yellowish-green flowers) which bloom in June, but from the billowy hairs (attached to elongated stalks on the spent flower clusters) which turn a smoky pink to purplish pink in summer, thus covering the tree with fluffy, hazy, smoke-like puffs. Bluish green leaves are, as the species name suggests, obovate. The foliage turns a variety of colors in the fall (including yellow, red, orange and reddish purple), and produces some of the best fall color of any of the native American trees and shrubs.
It can be massed or grouped in the shrub border. Long-lasting, summer "smoke" display makes this a striking accent plant. Grow in average, medium moisture, well-drained soil in full sun. Adaptable to wide range of soils, including poor rocky soils, but prefers well-drained, somewhat infertile loams.
There are no serious insect or disease problems. Occasional susceptibility to leaf spots, rust and wilt.
Adapted from: Missouri Botanical Garden Plant Finder
Prices listed are subject to change, based upon size change and availability.
We are a small local nursery with limited shipping capability. We will do our best to ship smaller material (usually 1 or 2 gallon), although we can sometimes ship larger plants with the pots removed.
We have some species that are not listed, as we have too few of them to make a full listing plausible. You can always inquire.
We will consider contract growing an order with appropriate advance notice and availability of seed, cuttings or lining out stock.