Plant Type

Tree, Shrub

 

Height Range

12-25'

 

Flower Color

Green, Yellow

 

Flower Season

Spring

 

Leaf Color

Blue Green

 

Bark Color

Brown, Grey

 

Fruit Color

n/a

 

Fruit Season

n/a

Sun

Full

 

Water

Very Low, Low

 

Growth Rate

Moderate

 

Soil Type

Sandy, Clay, Loam, Rocky, Unparticular

 

Soil Condition

Average, Poor, Well-drained, Dry

 

Soil pH

Neutral, Basic

 

Adverse Factors

n/a

Design Styles

Mediterranean, Ranch

 

Accenting Features

Fall Color, Showy Flowers

 

Seasonal Interest

Summer, Fall

 

Location Uses

Background, Shrub Border, Foundation, Walls / Fences

 

Special Uses

Hedge, Screen

 

Attracts Wildlife

n/a

American smoketree is a moderate growing, upright large shrub or multi-stemmed small tree, growing about 15 to 25 feet tall and about half as wide. It gets its common name not from the flower clusters that bloom in June, but from the billowy hairs attached to spent flowers which turn a smoky pink to purplish pink in summer. Bluish green leaves are round to oval, and turns a variety of colors in the fall (including yellow, red, orange and reddish purple), and produces some of the best fall color of any of the native American trees and shrubs.

Grow in well-drained soil in full sun. Adaptable to wide range of soils, including poor rocky soils, but prefers well-drained, somewhat infertile loams. Pruning is necessary to maintain a tree-like canopy, but if you are using this in its more shubby habit, maintenance is minimal.