Ptelea trifoliata
Common name: Wafer Ash
Pronounced pTE-lea for those of you trying to read this one, that being one of a couple confusing things about it. Wafer Ash tends to be a pioneer species on disturbed ground but also will establish colonies a hundred years old. It may spread or stay put. It might be a tree or a shrub, in both case no larger than 20 feet. It loves the sun but will grow in light shade. What we can say for sure is that it is a member of the citrus family, Rutaceae, its flowers, leaves, and fruit are very aromatic. It is also the preferred host plant for the giant swallow-tail butterfly, sometimes being eaten near to the ground by said caterpillar. For people, particularly the Germans in old’n days, used the seed as a substitute for hops, hence another common name, “Hop Tree”.
Photos
Click on each individual photo to enlarge for full size preview.
Navigation
My Cart
Plant Details
Plant type
Large Shrub, Shrub
Soil type
Dry, Dry Mesic, Mesic (Not too Wet Not too Dry)
Light exposure
Full Sun
Bloom period
Spring
Urban environment
Harsh Exposure Tolerant, Road-side/Salt Tolerant
Habitat
Prairie Grasslands, Savannas
Growth form
Shrubby/Clump, Single trunk, Low branched, Colonizing / Spreading
Growth rate
Moderate
Flower color
Green White
Fall color
Yellow
Size
- Mature height
- 10 Feet
- Mature width
- 10 Feet
- Max height
- 15 Feet
- Max width
- 15 Feet
Additional information
Butterfly host plant Drought Resistant Pollinator hot spot
Plants Comparison
Order Online
To be notified when this plant becomes available again click the 'Notify me' button to get a reminder email.
Notify me