chittamwood

plant

Also known as: Sideroxylon lanuginosa, false buckthorn, gum elastic, shittamwood(Show More)

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June 24, 2026

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Chittamwood is a common name for the North American smoke tree, Cotinus obovatus. This plant is a small tree or shrub known for its attractive fall foliage and airy inflorescences that resemble smoke. The flowers are composed of colored stalks of sterile flowers, creating a smoky appearance that can range from red to pale yellow or cream.1

The name "chittamwood" can also refer to other plants, including cascara buckthorn and false buckthorn. It is important not to confuse it with "Chittagong wood," which is the mahogany-like wood from two Indian trees used in cabinetwork.23

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Sideroxylon
lanuginosa, variously known as chittamwood, shittamwood, gum elastic, and false buckthorn, is sometimes cultivated as an ornamental. It grows to about 15 metres (50 feet) tall. The leaves are 3.75–10 cm (1.5–4 inches) long, are dark lustrous green above and rusty beneath, and persist until late in the fall.…
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lanuginosa, variously known as chittamwood, shittamwood, gum elastic, and false buckthorn, is sometimes cultivated as an ornamental. It grows to about 15 metres (50 feet) tall. The leaves are 3.75–10 cm (1.5–4 inches) long, are dark lustrous green above and rusty beneath, and persist until late in the fall.…
Read More