Ptelea trifoliata (Wafer Ash)

Also called Hop Tree.

Wafer Ash is an attractive shrub or small understory tree. It is adaptable and can handle both moist conditions and dry, rocky sites. It does well in a variety of soil types and exposures, but does best as an understory tree in moist soils such as an irrigated garden, low area of the garden, or rain garden. It can tolerate a range of soil from sandy to heavy clays. It provides yellow fall color.

If grown in full sun and cut back, wafer ash will be quite bushy. Sweet nectar of this plant attracts many species of butterflies. All parts are aromatic. Wafer Ash provides food and shelter for birds and mammals, its nectar attracts butterflies and it is a host plant for swallowtail butterflies.

AT A GLANCE

DISTRIBUTION MAPS

USDA MAP

BONAP MAP

Present in state

Present in county and native

Native to North America, but adventive & escaped in state

Not present in state

Present and rare, native in county

Previously present, now extinct

Questionable presence (cross-hatched, regardless of color)