Quick answer: American smoketree (Cotinus obovatus) is native to 2 states. What's commonly sold under this name is often a bred variety or the wrong species — see the lookalike alert below. No live listing of the true species was found as of 16 Sep 2026.
Photo: Famartin, Wikimedia Commons (CC-BY-SA-4.0)
Where it's native
Listed in the directory as native to these states. Click a state for its full native-plant guide.
Growing conditions
From the Lady Bird Johnson Wildflower Center Native Plant Database.
| Sun | Sun, Part Shade |
|---|---|
| Water | Low |
| Soil | Rocky, well-drained, limestone |
| Bloom | Apr-May |
| Height | Up to 30 ft (often 15-30 ft) |
| Wildlife value | Browsed by wildlife, moderate deer resistance |
Lookalike alert
⚠ No fix found 16 Sep 2026 — no genuine Amazon.com listing found; searches return only Cotinus coggygria (Eurasian smokebush) — different species.
No live seed or plant listing found as of 16 Sep 2026. That means our last search didn't surface one — not that the plant is unavailable. Try a regional native-plant nursery.
Quick answers about American smoketree
Where is American smoketree native?
American smoketree (Cotinus obovatus) is native to Georgia and Texas. Check your state's page in this directory for the full list of plants native where you live.
When does American smoketree bloom?
American smoketree blooms Apr-May. Exact timing shifts a few weeks with latitude and elevation.
What growing conditions does American smoketree need?
Light: Sun, Part Shade. Water: Low. Soil: Rocky, well-drained, limestone. Mature height: Up to 30 ft (often 15-30 ft).
Is American smoketree good for pollinators and wildlife?
Yes. Wildlife value: Browsed by wildlife, moderate deer resistance.
Is American smoketree deer-resistant or drought-tolerant?
American smoketree is deer-resistant and drought-tolerant.
Where can I buy American smoketree?
We haven't found an online listing of the true wild species as of 16 Sep 2026. A regional native-plant nursery or native seed company is your best source; ask for Cotinus obovatus by its scientific name.
Similar native plants
Native plants that share growing conditions or range with American smoketree.
- Engelmann's prickly pear (cactus apple) Opuntia engelmannii
- Huisache Vachellia farnesiana
- Mealy blue sage Salvia farinacea
- Texas mountain laurel Dermatophyllum secundiflorum
- Texas ebony Ebenopsis ebano
- American century plant Agave americana
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