About Cotinus obovatus Raf.
Cotinus obovatus Raf., also known by the synonym C. americanus, is commonly called American smoketree, chittamwood, or American smokewood. This is a rare species of flowering plant in the genus Cotinus, family Anacardiaceae. It is native to scattered locations across Oklahoma, Texas, Arkansas, Missouri, Alabama, and Tennessee. It is a deciduous, conical shrub that grows to 10 m (33 ft) tall and 8 m (26 ft) broad. Its oval leaves can reach up to 12 cm (5 in) long. In summer, it produces panicles of pink-grey flowers, and its foliage turns a brilliant scarlet in autumn. Many consider this autumn color to be the most intense fall color of any tree. The characteristic smokey effect of this plant comes from clusters of hairs on its spent flower stalks. Cotinus obovatus is highly sought after and cultivated in botanical gardens around the world. This species is dioecious, meaning male and female flowers grow on separate individual plants. The Latin specific epithet obovatus translates to "in the shape of an inverted egg", and this name refers to the broadly obovate shape of the plant's leaves. The heartwood of Cotinus obovatus is a bright yellow. Currently, the species does not appear to be at risk of extinction in the wild.
