Cotinus obovatus Facts for Kids

Quick facts for kids Cotinus obovatus

Habit of C. obovatus at Aarhus Botanical Gardens
Conservation status
Least Concern (IUCN 3.1)
Scientific classification
Kingdom:	Plantae
Clade:	Tracheophytes
Clade:	Angiosperms
Clade:	Eudicots
Clade:	Rosids
Order:	Sapindales
Family:	Anacardiaceae
Genus:	Cotinus
Species:	C. obovatus
Binomial name
*Cotinus obovatus* Raf.

Natural range of Cotinus obovatus
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The American smoketree (scientific name: Cotinus obovatus) is a special kind of flowering plant. It's also known as chittamwood or American smokewood. This tree is quite rare and grows naturally in parts of the United States. You can find it in states like Oklahoma, Texas, Arkansas, Missouri, Alabama, and Tennessee.

It's a deciduous plant, which means it loses its leaves in the autumn. The American smoketree usually grows as a shrub or a small tree. It can reach about 10 meters (33 feet) tall and spread out about 8 meters (26 feet) wide. Its leaves are oval-shaped and can be up to 12 centimeters (about 5 inches) long.

What Makes It Special?
Where Does It Grow?
Is It in Danger?
Images for kids
See also

What Makes It Special?

Amazing Fall Colors

One of the most amazing things about the American smoketree is its leaves in autumn. They turn a super bright scarlet red! Many people think it has the most intense and beautiful fall color of any tree. Imagine a whole tree glowing red in your backyard!

Why "Smoketree"?

The name "smoketree" comes from its unique look in summer. After the small, pink-grey flowers bloom, they leave behind fuzzy clusters of hairs on their stalks. These clusters look like puffs of smoke floating around the tree, giving it a very cool, hazy appearance.

Its Wood and Leaves

The wood inside the American smoketree is a bright yellow color. The scientific name obovatus means "in the shape of an inverted egg." This describes the oval shape of the tree's leaves.

Where Does It Grow?

The American smoketree is native to a few states in the central and southeastern United States. This means it naturally grows in these areas. Because it's so beautiful, especially in autumn, people around the world like to plant it in botanical gardens. These gardens help protect and show off different kinds of plants.

Is It in Danger?

Sadly, the American smoketree is a rare species. This means there aren't many of them left growing naturally in the wild. Scientists and plant lovers are working to protect it so that future generations can also enjoy its amazing beauty.