How to identify American smoketree (Cotinus obovatus)

How to identify American smoketree (Cotinus obovatus)

American smoketree, also known as American smokewood

American smoketree exhibits a deciduous growth habit, often taking the form of a small tree or an upright shrub. Its leaves are elliptical to obovate, presenting a lush, bluish-green hue which transforms into striking shades of red-purple in the fall. Between June and July, american smoketree displays conspicuous, feathery flower clusters, often mistaken for smoke, which contribute to its unique visual interest. The flowers eventually give way to small, round fruit. It thrives in well-drained soils, revealing its adaptability with a tolerance for various soil conditions. Mature specimens can reach heights of 10-25 feet (3-7.6 meters) with a crown spread that mimics its height.

Lifespan: Perennial

Plant Type: Tree, Shrub

Leaf Type: Deciduous

Quickly Identify American smoketree

Elliptical to obovate leaves with bluish-green hue, turning red-purple in fall.

Feathery flower clusters resembling smoke, blooming between June and July.

Dry, oblong drupe fruit measuring 5 mm, sparse on plant during summer.

Multi-trunked stem with gnarled limbs, rough grayish-brown bark with deep fissures.

Gray-brown bark with furrowed patterns, developing scaly plates that peel in patches.

Detailed Traits of American smoketree

Leaf Features

The leaves of american smoketree are simple, obovate to elliptical, and blue-green. They are wedge-shaped (cuneate) at the base with a slight notch at the apex. The widest point of the leaf is above the middle. Measuring approximately 3-5 inches (7.5-12.5 cm) in length, these leaves have a smooth texture and exhibit stunning fall colors. The veins are patterned in a pinnate arrangement, with a central midrib and lateral veins extending outward.

Learn About the Leaf Glossary

Flower Features

The flowers of american smoketree are dioecious, featuring 6-10 inch (15-25 cm) panicles adorned with long, red or purple hair-like petioles that create a distinctive smoky appearance. While the individual flowers are initially yellow, they transition to pink or purple as they mature. The visual effect is amplified in male plants due to the abundance of hairs. These flowers typically lack a notable scent but their striking color changes and unique structure make them easily recognizable during their blooming period.

Learn About the Flower Glossary

Stem Features

American smoketree features a multi-trunked stem with gnarled limbs. The bark is grayish-brown with a rough texture, often developing deep fissures as the plant matures. The stems are relatively thick, typically measuring around 2 to 6 inches (5 to 15 cm) in diameter. Branching patterns are irregular and contorted, giving the plant a distinctive and rugged appearance. The stems often exhibit a twisted growth habit, contributing to the plant's unique sculptural form.

Learn About the Stem Glossary

Fruit Features

The fruit of american smoketree is a dry, oblong drupe that measures approximately 5 mm (0.2 inches) in length. Its texture is smooth with a pale brown hue. Each of these fruits houses a single seed within. They become noticeable during the summer season when they mature and are borne sparingly on the plant. Although diminutive in size, these fruits are one of the less conspicuous aspects of american smoketree, often overshadowed by the plant's more flamboyant features.

Learn About the Fruit Glossary

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