Cotinus obovatus, or the American smoketree, is a stunning species that thrives in a variety of soil conditions and is ideal for urban landscapes and woodlots as shrubbery. Native to the southern United States, it is drought and heat tolerant, low-maintenance, and resistant to deer. It grows well in high pH, alkaline soils, and should be located in full sun or partial shade. While its resinous sap has a strong odour, it generally faces minimal insect or disease issues. To maintain optimal health, avoid over-watering, over-fertilizing, and planting in wet, low-lying areas. The smoketree's shallow root system makes it easy to transplant. The American smoketree is native to rocky, usually mountain soils from Kentucky, Tennessee, and northern Alabama west to Oklahoma For a native alternative in Ontario, consider the eastern redbud. Currently not available in the tree nursery, due to its aesthetic beauty and adaptable nature, nurseries are trying to cultivate this species.