American Smoketree
Cotinus obovatus
Anacardiaceae · broadleaf deciduous shrub · native
Last updated
Data Maturity Baseline
This profile contains verified botanical data. Regional field notes and expert review are in progress.
Quick Facts
Height
20-30 ft
Spread
26 ft
Growth Rate
Medium
Light
Full Sun
Soil
Moist
Water
Moderate
Hardiness
Zone Zones 4a–8b
Bloom Time
May to June
Fall Color
Orange, purple, red, yellow
Origin
rocky, usually mountain soils from Kentucky
Phenological Calendar
As of April 23, 2026, Puget Sound stations range from 1434.4 to 1592.7 GDD₃₂. American Smoketree typically reaches 'full bloom' at 2450 GDD₃₂, predicted around Jun 3.
Regional Season Tracker
GDD₃₂ accumulation across 7 Puget Sound stations · as of Apr 23, 2026| Station | GDD₃₂ | Current Stage | Next | To Go |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Issaquah / East King | 1,593 | Pre-season | 'Full bloom' | 857 |
| Seattle / UW | 1,554 | Pre-season | 'Full bloom' | 896 |
| Kent / Auburn | 1,537 | Pre-season | 'Full bloom' | 913 |
| Olympia / Tumwater | 1,505 | Pre-season | 'Full bloom' | 946 |
| Bellingham / Whatcom | 1,483 | Pre-season | 'Full bloom' | 967 |
| Tacoma / Puyallup | 1,472 | Pre-season | 'Full bloom' | 978 |
| Sequim / Rain Shadow | 1,434 | Pre-season | 'Full bloom' | 1,016 |
| Stage | GDD32 | Typical Window |
|---|---|---|
| ○ 'Full bloom' BBCH '65' NEXT | 2450 | '' est. Jun 3 (avg) |
Range: 1737–2006 GDD₃₂
(6yr)
GDD = Growing Degree Days (base 32°F, Jan 1 start). Why base 32? Source GDD₅₀ thresholds from Herms 2004 (OSU, Secrest Arboretum, Ohio) and UMD IPMnet (Gill & Klick, mid-Atlantic), converted to GDD₃₂ via Kent bloom-date mapping. Season tracker for Kent / Auburn as of Apr 23, 2026. Predicted dates use 16-day weather forecast through May 10, 2026, then climate normals.