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American Smoke Tree

Cotinus obovatus

In the Carolinas and Georgia, found in glades, exposed bluffs, and dry upland woodlands over calcareous soils and rock outcrops. Weakley, Flora of the Southeastern United States (2025), Carolinas & Georgia edition What its natural habitat tells you

29
Good

Native to Arkansas. How scores work Is it native here?

Profile 100%

Height
20–30 feet
Spread
20 feet–30 feet 11 inches
Light
Full sun, Partial shade
Soil moisture
Dry to somewhat dry

Space about 25.5 ft apart from its recorded spread. Enter your bed size for a count

Will it fit your yard?

At a glance

Life cycle
Woody perennial
Leaves
Deciduous
Bloom
April to May

Recorded in 14 Arkansas counties.

Natural habitats

Places it grows wild. Not a planting requirement. Each habitat page lists the plants and wildlife also found there.

1 of 2

Glades, barrens and outcrops on limestone

Open, thin-soil openings and rock on limestone, dolomite or other lime-rich rock, including cedar glades.

Forests and woodlands

Forest or woodland where the source does not say how moist or dry.

All habitats

Also found with this plant

Wildlife whose habitat models include habitats this plant grows in, in Arkansas. Shared habitat, not food. 47 animals.

Widespread birds also seen here (59)

Found in many habitats here, so not listed above.

All wildlife of Arkansas

Ecological relationships

Who uses this plant?

What these records mean

7CaterpillarsGenus host records with ranges including AR

Genus host records with ranges including AR · Cotinus

  • Citheronia regalisRoyal Walnut Moth, Hickory Horned Devil
  • Datana perspicuaSpotted Dantana
  • Episimus argutanaSumac Leaftier
  • Hyalophora cecropiaCecropia Silkmoth, Cecropia Moth
  • Hyphantria cuneaFall Webworm
  • Orgyia leucostigmaWhite-Marked Tussock Moth
  • Cameraria cotinivora
Shropshire & Tallamy 2025, Lepidoptera of North America north of Mexico, ZooKeys 1261 (ODbL)
0BeesSoutheastern regional records
0Specialist beesPollen specialists
—BirdsRecorded genus food-resource interactions; not a state feeding claim

No records yet · Ants · Beetles · Flies · Adult butterflies / moths · Other wasps · Other insects

Growing and identification

Plant details

Family
Anacardiaceae
Hardiness
Zones 3a–8b
Soil pH
Acidic to alkaline
Flower color
Yellow or green

Safety has not been reviewed for this plant; check toxicity and thorns before planting.

Growing sources and scope

Conservation status

Arkansas rankSNR
Global rankNot available
AR statusNot verified
Federal statusNot verified

Conservation source

In your garden

Will it fit your yard?

Check this plant against your county, sun and soil moisture. Conditions are checked in your browser.

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How to check your spot

Sources