Hoptree

Hoptree (Ptelea trifoliata)

Natural History

Hoptree is a member of the Rue Family. It appears as a shrub or small tree and grows to 20 feet

in height. Leaves are dark green with 3 ovoid leaflets to 3 inches in length. The trunk of the tree grows to 8 inches in diameter and has smooth, brownish-gray bark. The tree typically grows in canyons, pinyon-juniper woodlands and ponderosa pine forests at elevations between 3500 - 8500 feet.

The Hoptree has a disagreeable odor. Some individuals are susceptible to contact dermatitis (similar to poison ivy) from the plant..

Hoptree blooms between May - June and produces white to yellowish green flowers with 4 petals to 0.5 inches in width. Flowers are followed by a winged, hoplike fruit to 0.5 inches in width.

Back to Flora & Fauna