Winter Surveys of Cotinus obovatus (American smoketree) in the Ozark Mountains

Abstract

Cotinus obovatus (American smoketree) is a rare deciduous tree with a relictual distribution in southeastern North America. Efforts to map its finescale geographic distribution in the Ozark Mountains have been limited to the growing season when the distinctive blooming panicles and foliage facilitate detection in hardwood-cedar woodlands. I describe the physiognomic traits of leafless C. obovatus that permit effective population mapping in winter landscapes. Clumped growth and diagonally leaning stems facilitate detection at a distance. Bark texture, twig morphology, and sap odor confirm the identity of the tree at close range.