NC Native Plant Society:
Plant Details

Ptelea trifoliata

Scientific Name:	Ptelea trifoliata
Genus:	Ptelea
Species Epithet:	trifoliata
Common Name:	Common Hoptree, Wafer-tree, Stinking-ash
Plant Type	Tree/Shrub
Life Cycle	Perennial
Plant Family	Rutaceae (Citrus Family)
Native/Alien:	NC Native
Invasive Status:	^(*Key)
Size:	6-12 ft., 12-36 ft.
Bloom Color(s):	Yellow
Light:	Part Shade - 2 to 6 hours of sun per day, Less than 2 hours of sun per day
Soil Moisture:	Dry, Moist
Bloom Time:	April, May, June
Growing Area:	Mountains, Piedmont, Sandhills, Coastal Plain
Habitat Description:	This is a species generally restricted to high pH soils. Two varieties in NC: Ptelea trifoliata var. trifoliata - uncommon throughout the state Ptelea trifoliata var. mollis - Moist to dry forests, woodlands, and outcrops over calcareous substrates, rare in the mountains and Piedmont, uncommon in the coastal plain
Leaf Arrangement:	Alternate
Leaf Retention:	Deciduous
Leaf Type:	Leaves veined, not needle-like or scale-like
Leaf Form:	Compound
Life Cycle:	Perennial
Wildlife Value:	Important for Wildlife
Landscape Value:	Suitable for home landscapes
State Rank:	S3: Vulnerable ^(*Key)
Global Rank:	G5 - Secure ^(*Key)
State Status:	W1: Watch List: Rare but Relatively Secure ^(*Key)
Notes:	generally restricted to high pH soils
The aromatic, broadly ovate, trifoliate leaves of Ptelea trifoliata. Ashe County, NC Will Stuart
The distinctive disc-shaped winged fruits giving this species one of its common names, "Wafer Ash". Ashe County, NC Will Stuart
Links:	USDA PLANTS Database Record

• Permalink - (right click to save this page to your bookmarks)