Ptelea trifoliata (tee’-lee-‘a tri-fo-lee0-ah’-tah)
Family: Rutaceae, Citrus
Key Steps
- 1b – Alternate leaf arrangement — go to 18
- 18b – Leaf compound — go to 58
- 58a – Leaf divided into 3 leaflets — Hoptree
- 18b – Leaf compound — go to 58
Description
Leaf: Three leaflets (trifoliate). Middle leaflet usually larger. Pointed at base and tip. Margin smooth or finely toothed. Glossy above, glandular dotted beneath. Aromatic, like orange peels. 2-4 inch long petiole.
Bud: Small, wooly, round, yellowish. Almost surrounded by leaf scar. True terminal bud absent.
Leaf Scar: Raised, horseshoe-shaped. 3 bundle scars.
Stem: Slender, smooth, dark reddish-brown.
Pith: Large, round, continuous, white.
Flower: Greenish-white, flat topped, fragrant.
Fruit: Drooping samara, roundish, flat, buff colored, 1-inch diameter, persistent. Similar to Elm fruit. 2-3 seeds in middle.
Habit: Bush, rounded. Small ornamental tree or shrub. Suckers. Colorado native in foothills.
Culture: Well drained soils, full sun or partial shade. Moderate to high moisture requirement.
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