The native Smoke Tree is not named for its flowers, but for what it looks like after it flowers. After the tree flowers in the late spring, the leftover airy and wispy flower stems stay, looking like a second flowering. And that’s not all. In the fall, the leaves turn into a beautiful riot of kaleidoscopic color. They stay small—around 30 feet tall—making them perfect statement trees. Smoke Trees are not appreciated and planted enough in North America! Let’s plant some and change this trend. Scroll on for planting tips.
What are the benefits of planting a native Smoke Tree?
Planting native plants makes our yards and spaces gorgeous while helping the birds, butterflies, and animals (and helping save us time!) Here are four reasons why planting a native Smoke Tree is worth it:
- Without native plants, iconic animals like Monarch butterflies and songbirds won’t have the food or homes needed to survive
- Native plants save time and money: after the first year of getting established, native plants are happy with rain
- Native plants are the easiest plants to grow! A Smoke Tree is a perfect example of how easy it is to plant native: read on to learn how little work native Smoke Trees require to thrive.
- Native Smoke Trees transform from spring to summer and again in fall, offering cinematic beauty with minimal work.
New to native?
Before lawns and landscaping, native plants were here. They’ve fed birds, bees, and butterflies for thousands of years—and they’ll do the same in your yard. The best part? They’re easier to grow than you think.
What is the difference between native and non-native smoke trees?
As you visit nurseries and gardens, you may notice another species of smoke tree available. More often than not, this other species is the non-native smoke tree (Cotinus coggygria), which is native to Europe and parts of Asia. The two species both have the smokey flowers, but one gets larger than the other and only our native smoke tree puts on the purple-red-orange show in the fall.
Here is a quick overview of the two plants:
American Smoke Tree
Cotinus obovatus
- Native to North America
- “Smokey” white-pinkish flowers
- Small tree
- Thrives in a wide range of weather
- Larger leaves
- Rainbow fall foilage
Eurasian Smoke Tree
Cotinus coggygria
- Native to Europe and Asia
- “Smokey” pink flowers
- Large shrub
- Can die in cold temps
- Smaller leaves
- Single color fall foliage
Native Smoke Trees are one of the easiest trees to plant
Smoke Trees are easy to plant and care for. “Basically, this tree can be planted and forgotten. Once established, it thrives on neglect” is how this tree is described in Landscaping with Native Trees.
American Smoke Trees are easy to transplant
The Morton Arboretum shares how easy they are to transplant, thanks to their shallow root system.
Where is smoke tree native?
Native to 8 US states
Source: USDA PLANTS Database
Iowa State University, Department of Horticulture made a great 2-minute video overview of the American Smoke Tree and gives some helpful quick comparisons to the non-native Smoke Tree:
15-25 ft wide
Where can I find a Smoke Tree to plant?
Sadly, finding native plants like Smoke Trees can be difficult at conventional nurseries. But don’t let the challenge stand in your way! Here are four ideas for finding native plants like Smoke Trees in your area:
Where can I find seeds and plants?
Finding native plants can be challenging (we partly blame King Louis XVI.) To make it easier, we’ve assembled four sourcing ideas.
300+ native nurseries make finding one a breeze
Explore 100+ native-friendly eCommerce sites
Every state and province has a native plant society; find yours
Online Communities
Local Facebook groups are a great plant source
What are other flowering native trees?
Dozens of native flowering trees look amazing and require minimal work (especially compared to lawns.) If you’re looking for a front yard statement tree, visit our guide to the best native trees for front yards for a wide variety of ideas.
Some great flowering native trees to consider include:
What are good Smoke Tree pairings?
Besides the other native flowering trees mentioned above, there are lots of shrubs and native perennials that pair beautifully with native Smoke Trees. Because Smoke Trees like full to part sun, pair them with other natives that enjoy this same sunny locale. Ideas for pairings include:
Native Shrub Pairings
Native Flower Pairings
And now you’re ready to plant a North American Smoke Tree! These native gems have been hiding in plain sight beside their non-native cousins. But few plants—native or not—can beat the American Smoke Trees show in the fall. These are perfect statement trees for any gardener, and thanks to their fuss-free nature, they are especially good for beginner gardeners. Happy planting!
Sources
- Nelson, Gil. Best Native Plants for Southern Gardens: A Handbook for Gardeners, Homeowners, and Professionals, (2010).
- Harstad, Carolyn. Go Native! Gardening with Native Plants and Wildflowers in the Lower Midwest. (1999), 209-210.
Written by
Emily Lessard
Founder & Editor, The Plant Native
Emily Lessard is the founder and editor of The Plant Native, the site that helps homeowners across North America get started with native plants. She holds a Sustainable Landscapes certificate through the Pennsylvania Landscape & Nursery Association, is finishing a Native Perennial Garden Design Certificate at Temple University, and is the author of World of Native Plants (Quarto, February 2027). She gardens outside Philadelphia in the 8.3 Southeastern Plains ecoregion.
