How Do You Spell COTINUS OBOVATUS?

1. Cotinus obovatus, commonly known as American smoke tree or American smoketree, is a deciduous shrub or small tree native to the southeastern United States. It is a member of the Anacardiaceae family and is known for its distinctive foliage and showy flowers, which add ornamental value to gardens and landscapes.

   The American smoke tree typically reaches a height of 10 to 15 feet, although it can sometimes grow taller. It has an upright, spreading habit and develops an oval or rounded crown. The foliage of Cotinus obovatus is one of its most notable features, with leaves that are elliptical to obovate in shape and have a rich, green color during the summer months. In the fall, the leaves transition to vibrant shades of red, orange, and purple, adding eye-catching autumnal beauty.

   The flowering period of the American smoke tree occurs in early to mid-summer, when it produces clusters of small, yellowish-green flowers. These flowers are not particularly showy on their own, but they give rise to the plant's well-known smoke-like fruiting structures. These fruiting structures, also known as panicles or inflorescences, consist of numerous small, fluffy filaments that give an appearance similar to billowing clouds of smoke, hence the name "smoke tree". These structures persist throughout the autumn months, further enhancing the visual appeal of the plant.

   Apart from its decorative value, Cotinus obovatus is also known for its resilience and ability to tolerate a range of soil types and environmental conditions. It is generally low-maintenance and can be a great choice for gardeners seeking an attractive yet undemanding plant for their landscapes.

Common Misspellings for COTINUS OBOVATUS

The word "Cotinus obovatus" is the scientific name for a flowering plant commonly known as the American smoketree.

The etymology of "Cotinus" can be traced back to the Greek word "kótos", which means "a wild olive tree". This reflects the fact that the smoketree is a member of the Anacardiaceae family, which also includes olive trees.

The term "obovatus" is derived from the Latin word "obovatus", meaning "egg-shaped". This refers to the shape of the leaves of the smoketree, which are obovate or inversely egg-shaped.

Ultimately, the word "Cotinus obovatus" serves as a scientific name to classify and identify this particular species of plant using the conventions of binomial nomenclature.