Georgia Wildlife Federation

Resources < Wildlife Habitats < Guide to Native Plants of Georgia for Wildlife < Ptelea trifoliata

Hoptree is a delightful, small understory tree with a versatility that suits it for many purposes. It has a neat, rounded crown and lush foliage, making it suitable as a specimen tree. It would pair flawlessly under the graceful arching arms of the now nearly extinct American Elm, but now makes a suitable companion for other samara-bearing trees like maples and tuliptree. The fall display of wind-borne seed is spectacular, especially when planted en masse. Other excellent companions include broad-leaved trees like southern or Bigleaf Magnolias, Redbay, Sourwood, and Blackgum.

Hoptree is the northernmost representative of the citrus family. The lemony (some say unpleasant) fragrance of its leaves and twigs speak to this when crushed. The common name refers to a reported earlier use of the bitter fruits as a substitute for hops in brewing beer. Also, its bitter root bark (also aromatic) has been used as a substitute for quinine in the treatment of malaria.

Family: Rutaceae (Rue/Citrus)

Description: Aromatic, deciduous small tree or large shrub, typically in the understory, with a rounded crown. Bark is brownish-gray, thin, and smooth. Leaves are palmately compound, 4-7” long with 3 leaflets at the end of a long leafstalk. Leaflets are 2-4” long, ¾-2” wide, ovate, long-pointed at the tip, finely toothed, shiny dark green above and pale or hairy beneath. Flowers are small and borne in terminal branched clusters in spring. Fruits are small, numerous, and disk-shaped samaras. Fall color is yellow.

Size: 15-20 feet tall

Habit: Small deciduous tree or large shrub

Light: Full sun to full shade

Planting and Care: Plant in well-drained but moist soil. Hoptree tolerates a wide variety of light levels but generally prefers partial shade. It requires a neutral to alkaline soil pH, but no maintenance once established. Amend the site with plenty of lime to neutralize acidity and mulch well after planting to retain moisture.

Ornamental Value: A spectacular use of Hoptree would be siting a row or group of trees upon a woodland hillside, where the golden-brown samaras can shower for hundreds of feet in a strong autumn gust. Its lush foliage is attractive during the growing season.

Landscape Use: Hoptree is a nice understory tree for naturalization in a woodland. It is showy as a specimen but truly comes into its own en masse. Hoptree works well in groups, mass plantings, rows, or groves, especially upon higher ground where its samaras may be put to ornamental use.

Wildlife Benefits: Hoptree is a foliar host for the Giant Swallowtail butterfly. The butterfly’s caterpillar is extremely interesting, with a touch of extremely clever grotesqueness. The caterpillar is camouflaged to mimic bird droppings. It is black and white mix and even has a liquid, shiny gloss. When touched, it projects a Y-shaped appendage from its head as a defense. The adult, the largest butterfly in the US, is black smattered with faint yellow spots.

Native Habitat: Native across much of the US from New England south to Florida, west to Arizona, and northeast to the Great Lakes. Common habitats include dry rocky uplands, valleys, and canyons. It prefers limestone soils.