Hop Tree
Ptelea trifoliata
Photographed in Rackensack Canyon, Maricopa Co., Arizona, USA. Aug. 3, 2008.
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SHRUB / SMALL TREE: In sycamore woodlands growing mostly as a small
understory tree or a shrub on the terraces pushing into adjoining habitats
- particularly chaparral.
UNARMED. No thorns or spines.
LEAVES: Leaves are shiny with three leaflets each. Note that the leaves
are alternate on the stem (Ashes, which might look similar, have opposite
leaves). Citrus or unpleasant aroma from crushed leaves.
RANGE: Occurrence in Arizona is widespread, but spotty.
FRUIT: Flat, hop-like seeds with a wide papery wing. Conspicuous when in
fruit.
FLOWERS: Small, whitish in contracted panicles. Fragrant.
Rutaceae -- Citrus Family
More Information:
- Southwest Environmental Information Network
- USDA Plant Profile
- Google Images
- Google Scholar Literature Search