Hop Tree

Ptelea trifoliata

Nathan Pilla

Plant Type(s)	Tree, shrub, perennial
Native to Arizona	Yes!
Water Needs	Moderate-high
Sun	Partial shade
Pollinators	Carrion flies!
Has Spines	No
Size In relative feet, width by height	6-20' × 6-20'
Flowering Season	May-June
Flower Color	Greenish/white
Minimum Temperature Range	-30 °F
Leaf Description	Trifoliate, very fragrant
Fruit	Disk shaped samara (papery winged fruit).
View on SEINet	View SEINet Entry
Range Map	View SEINet Range Map
Elevation Range	3500-9000 ft.
Description	Hop tree is a species found throughout much of Mexico as well as the southwestern and eastern United States, setting it apart from the mostly western affiliated Arizona flora. This distinctive large shrub or small tree has thin, sometimes leggy branches covered in deciduous (drops leaves in winter), trioliate (groups of 3) leaves, topped with clusters of greenish/white flowers followed by papery disks containing individual seeds. In Arizona this species is typically found on shaded slopes near drainages, streams, or cienegas alongside other moisture loving species such as Arizona ash (Fraxinus velutina), soapberry (Sapindus saponaria var. drummondii), and seep willow (Baccharis salicifolia). A sure way to identify this species is to rub the leaves which release a smell described variously as citrusy, skunky, or cannabis-like. This plant lends itself to planting as an understory shrub in or around a reliably watered basin, particularly in cooler parts of Arizona.