Hoptree (Ptelea trifoliata)
Estimated Height at Pickup: 4-5, 3 gal
A.k.a. wafer ash. There are not very many plants that could be described as ‘bulletproof’, but this one is a contender. A pretty, small tree best known as one of our very few regional hosts for giant swallowtail butterflies! (See also: prickly ash.)
A hardy, fairly fast grower that can be pruned for denser foliage when grown in full sun. Prefers moist soils and part sun, but will take most any condition that’s not standing water.
Pollination: Likely self pollinating.
Light: Full Sun, Part Sun/Shade, Shade
Soil Moisture: Wet Mesic, Mesic, Dry Mesic, Dry
Soil Type: Adaptable
Height: 15’-20’
Width: 15’-20’
Bloom Color: Yellow
Bloom Time: June
Fruit: Seeds in a circular ‘winged’ wafer hand in clusters and mature in late summer.
Fall Color: Yellow
Root Type: Branching
Notable Wildlife Interactions: Flowers attract bees, wasps, flies, and ants. Hosts the giant swallowtail butterfly, the brown bordered ermine moth, and a few smaller insects.
Notes: Does not runner. All plants have male, female, and perfect flowers, but no word on wether or not they’re self compatible. Supposedly not appealing to deer because of it’s strong tasting foliage, but that DIDN’T STOP THEM FROM EATING OURS TO A NUB-