Arkansas Tree Database

Scientific name:

Ptelea Trifoliata

Size:

15'-18' tall

Leaves:

alternate, trifoliately compound, each leaflet 2"-4" long and 1"-2" across, smooth or slightly toothed; shiny dark green above, pale green and smooth beneath

Flowers:

small, greenish white, in 2"-3" terminal rounded panicles; April-June

Fruit:

1" wafer-shaped samara, in a pendulous cluster

Fall Interest:

greenish yellow; deciduous

Culture:

part shade; dry to medium moisture, well-drained soil

Disease/Insect:

Use:

hedge, specimen flowering tree

Cultivars:

Notes:

bark dark gray and smooth except for warty protuberances; called hop-tree because the seeds were used by early settlers as a substitute for hops in brewing beer; larval host of giant swallowtail butterfly; native to Arkansas