Cotinus obovatus
American Smoketree bluish to dark green leaves and unique greenish smoke-like flowers in July. The fall color is spectacular, with shades of yellow, red and purple hues. The bark is also a beautiful gray and mature trunks become scaly for additional winter interest. Native to rocky mountain soils and limestone glades from Kentucky, Tennessee, northern Alabama westward to Oklahoma. American Smokebush was almost lost during the Civil War because it was harvested and used to make yellow dye. Cotinus obovatus makes a very large shrub or an attractive small tree.
PRN Preferred: As noted by Dr. Dirr "may be the best of the all American shrub/trees for intensity of (fall) color." and we agree.
- Category:
Woody Ornamentals
- Hardiness Zone: 4
- Height: 30 Feet
- Spread: 25 Feet
- Bloom Color:
White