Hop Tree

Hop Tree Hop Tree

There are three or more shrubs and small trees in this N American genus. Most have musky-smelling leaves. They occur in moist, rich woods, thickets and rocky slopes. Ptelea trifoliata is widely cultivated for its scented foliage, and attractive clusters of fruits; the cultivar 'Aurea' is an outstanding golden tree for small gardens. Ptetea trifoliata was sacred to Menominee people of N America, who regarded it as a panacea and added its root bark to other medicines to increase their infectiveness. The herb was first described in Medical Flora by Constantine Rafinesque (2 vols, 1828-30); it was adopted as a home remedy by colonists, and by Eclectic practioners. Ptelea is the ancient Greek name for the elm, given to this genus because its fruits appear similar to those of the true elm.

Upright deciduous tree or large shrub with aromatic bark and trifoliate leaves, divided into ovate to elliptic leaflets, to 12cm (5in) long. Pale green-white, star-shaped, scented flowers are borne in branched clusters in early summer, followed by round, flattened, pale green, winged fruits, to 2.5cm (1in) across.

Common Name:

Hop Tree

Other Names:

Wafer Ash

Botanical Name:

Ptelea trifoliata

Genus:

Ptelea

Family:

Rutaceae

Native Location:

N America (Ontario to Florida, Texas, and N Mexico)

Cultivation:

Moist, well-drained soil in sun or lightly dappled shade.

Propagation:

By seed sown in autumn or spring (species only); by greenwood cuttings in early summer.

Harvest:

Roots are lifted in autumn and peeled for bark, which is dried for use in infusions, and powders.

Height:

7m (25ft)

Width:

4m (12ft)

Variations:

Aurea
Has yellow-green leaves that turn yellow in autumn.
Height: 5m (15ft)

Hardiness:

Z4-10

Parts Used:

Root bark.

Properties:

A bitter, pungent, tonic herb that lowers fever and improves digestion; it expels intestinal parasites, and has anti-bacterial effects.

Medicinal Uses:

Internally for fevers (especially intermittent), heartburn, poor digestion, roundworms, and pinworms. Externally for wounds.

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