Wafer Ash

Ptelea trifoliata

Wafer ash. also called hop tree. is a small native tree that carries a lot of ecological significance in a modest footprint. Clusters of small, greenish-white flowers in late spring have a honey-like fragrance that's subtle but lovely up close. The flat, winged seeds that follow are distinctive and attractive, clustering in summer like natural wind chimes. Giant swallowtail butterfly larvae feed on the leaves. these are the caterpillars that look exactly like bird droppings, one of evolution's clever disguises. At 10 to 20 feet, this tree fits under power lines and in smaller yards. It tolerates shade and some drought, making it versatile in the understory layer where small to medium native trees are often needed. An underappreciated native that quietly earns its space.