Common hoptree, Water-ash, Stinking ash, Ague bark, Waferash, Shrubby trefoil, Hop tree
Ptelea trifoliata
Family: Rutaceae
What it is like
A very small tree. It grows up to 8 m tall. The trunk is 15 cm across. The trunk is often branched. The crown is irregular and rounded. It loses its leaves during the year. The leaves are alternate and compound. There are 3 leaflets and the main stalk is 10-15 cm long. The leaflets are 10-15 cm long. They have a sharp point. They narrow below the middle. The upper surface is dark shiny green and it is paler underneath. It has a lemon smell when crushed. The flowers are small and greenish-white. They are in clusters at the tips of the shoots. The male and female flowers are separate usually on separate trees. The fruit are flat and 1-2 seeded. There is a wing around the seed case. This is 25 mm across.
There are about 10 Ptelea species.
Where it is found
It is native to E. North America. It grows along shorelines and on dry rocky soils. It can tolerate part shade. It flowers only in full sunlight. It suits hardiness zones 5-10.
Countries/locations it is found in
Australia, Canada, Central Asia, Europe, France, Germany, Hungary, Mexico, North America (country/location of origin), Romania, Slovenia, Tajikistan, USA
How it is used for food
The bitter fruit have been used as a substitute for hops in flavouring beer. They also make yeast rise more rapidly. The fruit have also been ground and used as a condiment.
Edible parts
Fruit - hops, fruit - spice
How it is grown
Its other names
Local names
Krilatec, Pinacatillo