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Ptelea trifoliata
  • RHS Plants for pollinators

hop tree

A large, deciduous shrub with dark green, tripartite leaves to 12cm long. Sprays of star-shaped, pale green flowers appear in summer, followed by bunches of flattened, winged seeds up to 2.5cm across. Leaves, flowers and bark are all aromatic

Other common names
shrubby trefoil
stinking ash
see moreswamp devil's bit
wafer ash
water ash
wing seed
swamp dogwood
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Size
Ultimate height
4–8 metres
Time to ultimate height
20–50 years
Ultimate spread
2.5–4 metres
Growing conditions
Chalk
Clay
Loam
Sand
Moisture
Well–drained
pH
Acid, Alkaline, Neutral
Colour & scent
StemFlowerFoliageFruit
Spring Green
Summer Green Green
Autumn Green Green
Winter
Position
  • Full sun
  • Partial shade
Aspect

South–facing or West–facing or East–facing

Exposure
Exposed or Sheltered
Hardiness
H6
Botanical details
Family
Rutaceae
Native to the UK
No
Foliage
Deciduous
Habit
Bushy
Genus

Ptelea are large, spreading deciduous shrubs with pungently scented, 3-foliate leaves and small yellow-green flowers in summer followed by attractive winged fruits

Name status

Correct

Plant range
USA

How to grow

Cultivation

Grow in fertile well-drained soil in full or dappled sun. Suitable for shrub border or as a lawn specimen

Propagation

Propagate by seed or semi-hardwood cuttings

Suggested planting locations and garden types
  • Cottage and informal garden
  • Wildlife gardens
  • Low Maintenance
  • Flower borders and beds
Pruning

Pruning group 1

Pests

Generally pest-free

Diseases

May be susceptible to honey fungus in gardens where it is present but insufficient data to determine degree of susceptibility

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