Description
Hardy, deciduous, Eastern North American tree
Description: Plume-like panicles of small flowers give a smoky effect in summer; rounded, light green leaves turn brilliant orange, red, and purple in fall
Habit: Spreading tree grows to 30 feet high and 25 feet wide.
Culture: Prefers full sun to part shade and moist, but well-drained soil rich in organic matter
Hardiness: USDA Zones 4 through 8
English botanist and ornithologist, Thomas Nuttall, first collected the American Smoketree during a plant hunting foray through the Arkansas territory in 1819. During his tenure as professor of natural history and director of the Harvard Botanic Garden, Nuttall spent extended periods in the field, resulting in the introduction of numerous ornamental shrubs and small trees to the Arnold Arboretum in Boston. The American Smoketree is not as showy in bloom as its Eurasian relative (C. coggygria), but has spectacular fall color.
This species is dioecious, meaning a male and a female plant are both required for pollination and fruit set. Our plants are unsexed due to their immaturity; we recommend purchasing more than one plant to increase the likelihood of fruit production, including berries and seeds.
This plant will ship bare root. Approximately 2'-3' tall.
Bare root planting tips:
~ If you can't plant immediately, store your plant in a cool location and keep the roots moist or pot in a container with a nursery potting mix from your local garden center.
~ Before planting, let the roots soak for several hours as you prepare the site. You'll want to dig a large enough hole so the root mass can spread out and the plant is at the same soil level as when it was growing in the nursery.
~ Once planted, water it in well and wait a month before fertilizing. Mulching will help to maintain moisture and raise soil temperatures for faster growth.
