Ptelea trifoliata
Common Hoptree, Wafer-ash, Stinking-ash
Mature Size, Growth, Longevity
Often only 5-15' tall, but can get to a mature size of 15-20' tall and wide. Large shrub or small tree. Suckers and spreads. Slow to medium growth rate. Medium longevity, 100-200 years.
Native Range
Kentucky Native — Found as an understory plant in lowlands and rocky or moist woods across much of the eastern United States. Native from Ontario & New York to Florida, west to Minnesota, southern Colorado, Arizona, & south into southern Mexico. Introduced in 1724.
Flower and Fruit Details
Flowers are small, unisexual, greenish-white, fragrant, 0.33-0.5" diameter, in corymbs, occurring late May to June, in 2-3" terminal corymbs. Not very ornamental. . Fruits are 2/3-1", broadly-winged sub-orbicular samaras, compressed, brownish, August to September, resembling the fruit of hops, thus the common name, "Hoptree". The individual, round samaras also resemble a tiny wafer, thus the name, "Wafer-ash".
Leaf and Bark Features
Deciduous: The compound leaves, although alternate and trifoliate, do somewhat resemble those of an ash tree, which explains some of the common names for this plant. The 3 leaflets are ovate to elliptic-oblong, each 2.5-5" long, acuminate at tip. Middle leaf lobe is largest. Very short petiolules on leaflets. Petiole of leaf is 2-4" long. The lustrous, dark green eaves are pungent when bruised, thus the one common name, "Stinking-ash". Yellow-green to yellow fall color. Young stems glabrous, buff to reddish brown, w/ raised, horseshoe-shaped leaf scars. Bark is dark gray and smooth with warty protuberances.
Culture and Care
Very adaptable, but prefers well-drained, moist soil, in sun or heavy shade. Native understory plant. Zones 3-9. Tolerates drought, soil pH 6.6-7.5, Avoid low, wet areas. Not flood tolerant. Avoid soil compaction. Strong-wooded, so tolerates snow & ice. Salt-tolerant. Will grow on mine spoils. No serious problems. Susceptible to leaf spots, rust disease, and leafhoppers.
Strengths, Weaknesses, Other Facts
3-season interest: Spring, summer & fall.
Suggested Uses
Good plant for the native plant garden or the shrub border.