American Smoketree (also known as Chittamwood, Smoke Tree)
Kingdom: Plantae, Division: Tracheophyta, Class: Magnoliopsida, Order: Sapindales, Family: Anacardiaceae, Genus: Cotinus, Species: Cotinus obovatus · Anacardiaceae (Cashew or Sumac family) · Simple, deciduous
Species
Cotinus obovatus
Leaf Type
Simple, deciduous
Family
Anacardiaceae (Cashew or Sumac family)
Shape
Obovate to elliptical with a rounded or slightly notched tip
Size
Approximately 4 inches long and 2.5 inches wide, fitting well within the typical 3- to 6-inch range for mature leaves
Margin
Entire (smooth)
Arrangement
Alternate
Rarity
Uncommon in the wild, though frequently cultivated as an ornamental tree in landscaping
Color & Pattern
The left specimen exhibits a deep, rich purplish-maroon dried coloration, while the right specimen shows a muted olive-green tone, both retaining a darker network of veins
Venation Pattern
Pinnate with a prominent central midrib and ascending secondary veins
Texture & Surface
Smooth and glabrous with a papery texture due to pressing and drying
Description
Cotinus obovatus is a large shrub or small tree celebrated for its brilliant autumn foliage and the distinctive, smoke-like fruiting panicles that appear in summer, giving the plant its common name
Key Features
Obovate leaf shape with an entire margin, alternate arrangement, and prominent pale venation on the underside
Habitat
Dry limestone glades, rocky hillsides, and bluffs in open woodlands
Geographic Range
Native to the southeastern and south-central United States, primarily found in localized populations from Tennessee and Alabama west to Texas and Oklahoma
Condition Notes
Pressed and dried specimens in fair to good condition, intact blades secured with tape showing typical color changes associated with drying
Interesting Facts
The wood of the American smoketree was historically used to produce a valuable orange-yellow dye during the American Civil War when other dyes were scarce
Medicinal & Uses
Primarily grown as a striking ornamental landscape plant valued for its vibrant fall colors and unique smoke-like inflorescences
Ecological Role
Provides cover and nesting sites for small birds and insects, contributing to biodiversity in rocky woodland edge ecosystems
Similar Species
European Smoketree (Cotinus coggygria), which generally features smaller, more rounded leaves compared to the larger obovate leaves of the American species
Foraging Tips
Look for small trees or multi-stemmed shrubs on rocky, calcareous soils within its native southeastern U.S. range, easily spotted by foliage transitioning to brilliant orange and purple in autumn
Toxicity Warning
Non-toxic to humans, though related species in the Anacardiaceae family can occasionally cause mild contact dermatitis in sensitive individuals