Description
Ptelea –
There are about 11 species of slow growing, aromatic, deciduous tree and large shrubs in the citrus family, in this genus. They occur in thickets and on rocky slopes in cooler parts of North America. Grown for their 3 palmate, strongly scented leaves, which turn gold in fall. Flowers are followed by small, 2 seeded winged, more or less rounded and flattened fruits. Suitable for growing in a shrub border or as lawn specimen.
Grow in fertile, well drained soil, in full sun or partial shade.
Prone to tree hoppers, rust, and leaf spots.
P. trifoliata ‘Aurea’ – Hop Tree – Stinking Ash – Water Ash – Common Hop Tree – This upright, deciduous shrub found from Ontario to Connecticut, Michigan, Iowa, Florida, Texas and Northern Mexico grows 15′ feet tall. It has rich brown aromatic bark. It produces alternate,, 3 palmate, scented, yellow green leaves with paler undersides, maturing to lime green with edges occasionally notched, to 5″ long, with ovate to elliptic leaflets. In summer it bears corymbs of star shaped, greenish white flowers, followed by winged, rounded and flattened, pale green fruit, to 1″ wide. Leaves turn yellow in autumn.
Zones 5-9
