Smoke tree, smoke bush, Coninus
Sumac has a close relative that has become a very popular specimen for garden beds and lawns. Smoke tree and American Smoke bush (Cotinus coggygria and Cotinus obovatus) are native to the U.S., specifically from TN to TX, USDA zones 4 to 9. In the wild, American smoke tree grows naturally into a large shrub. Smoke trees lose their leaves in the winter but in the spring their new growth and fluffy clusters of flowers attract admirers. Those fluffy clusters resemble smoke, giving the plant its common name. The plants have no insect or disease problems. Smoke tree or Smoke bush grows relatively slowly to a height of 10 or 15 feet and 10 feet wide. It is known to be drought tolerant but looks its best if watered during periods of drought. Do not keep the soil wet. They can be massed together as a hedge or planted individually in a lawn or in a border of mixed perennials. Since they are native to this area, they tolerate clay, dry and rocky soils as well as moderately fertile s...