American Smoketree
Cotinus obovatus
Last reviewed: June 2026
Cotinus obovatus (American Smoketree) is a drought-tolerant native tree found across the southeastern and south-central United States. It produces small greenish flowers from March to May and stunning orange-red fall foliage.
Light
full sun
Water
low
Size
180"–300" H × 180"–300" W
Bloom
Mar, Apr, May
Native to
AL, AR, GA, KY and 4 more states
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American Smoketree is a large native tree known for its spectacular fall color display of orange, red, and purple leaves. In spring, it produces distinctive feathery, smoke-like flower clusters that give the tree its common name. This drought-tolerant tree develops an irregular, open branching pattern that becomes more picturesque with age.
Growing American Smoketree
Grow American Smoketree in full sun and low water. Mature plants reach 180 to 300 inches tall and spread 180 to 300 inches wide. Expect low maintenance to keep it looking intentional in a front yard.
In an HOA neighborhood
American Smoketree takes more care to keep looking intentional in a front yard. Maintenance level: low. Consider it for backyard or mid-zone beds rather than the street edge.
Works well in: backyard only.
- Tree size exceeds typical HOA-friendly range
Wildlife value
The spring flowers attract various small insects and bees. Birds may use the tree for nesting and shelter, though it's not a primary wildlife magnet compared to other native trees.
Common questions
- Where is American Smoketree native?
- American Smoketree is native to Alabama, Arkansas, Georgia, Kentucky, Missouri, Oklahoma, Tennessee, and Texas.
- When does Cotinus obovatus bloom?
- American Smoketree blooms from March through May, producing small greenish flowers in loose clusters.
- What growing conditions does American Smoketree prefer?
- This native tree thrives in full sun to partial sun with low to moderate water needs, making it excellent for drought-tolerant landscapes.
- Why is it called American Smoketree?
- The name comes from the feathery, smoke-like appearance of the fruiting clusters that develop after flowering, creating a hazy effect around the tree.
- Is American Smoketree HOA-friendly?
- American Smoketree takes more care to look intentional in a front yard. Consider it for backyard or mid-zone beds rather than the street edge.
Native range data from the USDA PLANTS Database and regional native plant society lists. Pollinator and host plant associations compiled from GBIF, iNaturalist, and published ecological literature.
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