common hoptree
Ptelea trifoliata
RHS Plants for Pollinators
USDA zones4 to 9
SunHandles full sun to full shade
WaterHandles dry to wet soil
Size15 to 20 feet tall15 to 20 feet wide
- Growth rate
- Slow
- Bloom season
- Spring, summer
- Bloom color
- Greenish white
- Foliage color
- Green
- Soil types
- Sand, loam, clay, chalk
- Soil pH
- Acid, alkaline, neutral
Garden uses
Attracts
Notes
Common hoptree (Ptelea trifoliata) is a tree for borders, specimen planting, and pollinator gardens. It is hardy to USDA zone 4, or down to -30°F (-34°C). This plant likes full sun to full shade and dry to wet soil of most types. Small greenish white flowers open in clusters among the leaves in spring and attract butterflies and bees, and the leaves turn yellow in fall. Deer usually look elsewhere for a meal. The winged fruit gives the tree a distinctive look.
Pairs well with Red cedar, Paris coral bells, and Virginia creeper.
Native range
North America, District of Columbia, New Hampshire, New Jersey, and 1 more places. See all 5
North America, District of Columbia, New Hampshire, New Jersey, and Rhode I..