Ptelea trifoliata (hop tree)

Hop tree is a small, dense tree or large shrub with shiny compound leaves that can reach 10-20' tall and wide.  This adaptable and easy to grow tree prefers dry to medium soils and part or full shade, but can grow in full sun.  It's an ideal understory plant that can help form a hedge or privacy screen.  Small white flowers, with an odor that not all enjoy, become hanging clusters of round, flattened seeds resembling elm seeds.  Flowers are pollinated by carrion flies and seeds are eaten by birds and small mammals.  This species is a host plant to giant swallowtail butterfly caterpillars.

Photo by Dan Mullen, Creative Commons

BONAP Native Range Map (bright green indicates county native, dark green indicates state native).