Ptelea trifoliata aka Wafer Ash

Taxonomy

Genus Ptelea Family Rutaceae Order Sapindales Class Magnoliopsida Phylum Tracheophyta
Ptelea trifoliata, also known as common hoptree, wafer ash, stinking ash, and skunk bush, is a deciduous shrub or small tree native to North America, including Canada, Mexico, and the United States. It is a member of the citrus family (Rutaceae) and has alternate, trifoliate leaves with a prominent midrib and primary veins. The leaflets are ovate or oblong, pointed at the base, entire or serrate, and gradually pointed at the apex. The plant has an unpleasant odor and bitter taste, and its bark is reddish-brown to gray-brown with short horizontal lenticels. The twigs are slender to moderately stout, brown with deep U-shaped leaf scars, and covered with small excrescences. Ptelea trifoliata has thick fleshy roots and can grow up to 6-8 meters tall with a broad crown. The western and southwestern forms have smaller leaves than the eastern forms, which can grow up to 18cm. Hoptree is adaptable and slow-growing, with a bushy, rounded habit and low branches. It is native to the Southeastern United States and can be found growing in areas with calcareous soils. In autumn, its leaves turn a rusty yellow.

Common names

Wafer Ash, Hoptree, Shrub Trefoil

How to care for Wafer Ash

Difficulty

Even if you don't have a green thumb, you can successfully care for Wafer Ash due to its easy-going nature.

Water

Wafer Ash should be watered regularly, allowing the soil to dry out between waterings.

Soil

Wafer Ash loves a well-draining soil. Perlite and vermiculite help with drainage, while coco coir adds organic matter, so a good potting soil mix will have all three. You can improve store-bought soil by adding some perlite to it.

Lighting

To ensure optimal growth, the Wafer Ash prefers bright diffused light for 6-8 hours each day. Insufficient light can result in slow growth and leaf drop, so it's important to find a well-lit location for this plant. Place it near a window, within a distance of 1 meter (3 feet), to enhance its potential for thriving.

Toxicity

The toxicity level of this plant has not been officially confirmed by Ploi. If there is a possibility of ingestion of plant material with an uncertain toxicity by you, a family member, or a pet, it is advisable to seek the assistance of a medical professional.

Fertilizer

The growth rate of Wafer Ash is slow and it doesn't necessitate additional fertilizing. By changing the soil in its pot annually, the plant should be provided with adequate nutrition. It is crucial to keep in mind that plants derive their energy from the sun, not fertilizers.

Region of origin

Wafer Ash’s native range is Eastern N. America - Quebec and New York to Florida, west to Texas and Kansas.

More info:
Wikipedia

More Species in Ptelea Genus

Ptelea trifoliata Wafer Ash

Ptelea crenulata California Hoptree