Overview
Ptelea trifoliata L. ssp. angustifolia (Benth.) V. Bailey var. angustifolia (Benth.) M.E. Jones is a deciduous shrub or small tree that belongs to the family Rutaceae. It is commonly known as the narrowleaf hoptree due to its narrow, lance-shaped leaves.
Origin
The narrowleaf hoptree is native to the central and southern regions of the United States, including parts of Texas, Oklahoma, Missouri, Arkansas, Louisiana, and Mexico. It is a hardy plant that thrives in full sun or partial shade in a variety of soil types.
Common Names
In addition to narrowleaf hoptree, Ptelea trifoliata L. ssp. angustifolia (Benth.) V. Bailey var. angustifolia is also known by a variety of common names, including:
- Hoptree
- Wafer ash
- Hop tree
- Stinking ash
- Common hoptree
Uses
The narrowleaf hoptree has a long history of use in traditional medicine by Native American tribes. The leaves, bark, and fruit of the plant have all been used to treat a variety of ailments, including indigestion, fever, and rheumatism.
In addition to its medicinal properties, the narrowleaf hoptree is also used in landscaping for its attractive foliage and tolerance to a range of growing conditions. Its nectar-rich flowers also attract butterflies and other beneficial insects.
General Appearance
The narrowleaf hoptree is a small tree or shrub that can grow up to 20 feet tall and 15 feet wide. It has smooth, gray-brown bark and dense, dark green foliage that turns yellow in the fall. The leaves are compound with three leaflets that are long, narrow, and sharply toothed.
The plant blooms in early summer, producing fragrant clusters of small, white flowers with yellow centers. These are followed by woody, wafer-like fruit that are 1-2 inches long and persist on the tree throughout the winter months.
Light Requirements
The Ptelea trifoliata L. ssp. angustifolia (Benth.) V. Bailey var. angustifolia (Benth.) M.E. Jones requires full sun exposure to grow properly. This plant species cannot tolerate shade or partial shade and must receive at least six hours of direct sunlight per day. If grown in partial shade or under shade, it will not grow or develop properly.
Temperature Requirements
Ptelea trifoliata L. ssp. angustifolia (Benth.) V. Bailey var. angustifolia (Benth.) M.E. Jones thrives in a wide range of temperatures. This plant is hardy in USDA zones 4-9 and can withstand temperatures from -30°F to 100°F (-34°C to 38°C). It can handle both freezing temperatures in the winter and hot, dry temperatures in the summer. However, this plant does not tolerate stagnant water around the roots.
Soil Requirements
The Ptelea trifoliata L. ssp. angustifolia (Benth.) V. Bailey var. angustifolia (Benth.) M.E. Jones grows best in well-drained, slightly acidic soils. It can tolerate a range of soil types, but prefers loamy or sandy soils with a pH between 4.5 and 7.5. It does not tolerate waterlogged soils or soils with poor drainage. Adding organic matter to the soil can help improve drainage and fertility, promoting healthy growth.
Cultivation Methods
Ptelea trifoliata L. ssp. angustifolia (Benth.) V. Bailey var. angustifolia (Benth.) M.E. Jones is a shrub that can grow up to 10 feet tall. It can be grown in full sun or partial shade in a well-draining soil that is rich in organic matter. It is important to choose a planting location that is protected from strong winds to prevent damage to the plant. The best time to plant is in the early spring or fall when temperatures are milder.Watering Needs
Ptelea trifoliata L. ssp. angustifolia (Benth.) V. Bailey var. angustifolia (Benth.) M.E. Jones prefers moist soil but can tolerate periods of drought. It is important to water the plant deeply when the soil is dry to the touch, particularly during the growing season. Reduce watering in the fall to help the plant prepare for winter.Fertilization
To promote healthy growth and foliage, it is recommended to fertilize Ptelea trifoliata L. ssp. angustifolia (Benth.) V. Bailey var. angustifolia (Benth.) M.E. Jones once a year in the early spring. Use a slow-release, balanced fertilizer and apply it to the soil around the base of the plant. Avoid fertilizing in the late summer or fall to prevent stimulating new growth that may not have enough time to harden before winter.Pruning
Pruning should be done in the late winter or early spring, before new growth begins. Remove any dead, diseased, or damaged wood, as well as any suckers that are growing from the base of the plant. To promote a more compact growth habit, prune back any long, leggy branches to maintain the desired shape and size of the plant. Avoid heavy pruning, as this can stimulate excessive growth that may be weak and vulnerable to winter damage.Propagation of Ptelea trifoliata L. ssp. angustifolia var. angustifolia
There are various methods of propagating Ptelea trifoliata L. ssp. angustifolia var. angustifolia, including seed propagation, cutting propagation, and layering propagation.
Seed Propagation
Seed propagation is the easiest and most common method of propagating Ptelea trifoliata L. ssp. angustifolia var. angustifolia. The best time to sow Ptelea trifoliata L. ssp. angustifolia var. angustifolia seeds is in the fall when the temperature is below 40°F. The seeds should be planted in a well-draining potting soil and kept moist but not waterlogged. The germination rate for Ptelea trifoliata L. ssp. angustifolia var. angustifolia seeds is typically between 50-80%.
Cutting Propagation
Cutting propagation is another popular method of propagating Ptelea trifoliata L. ssp. angustifolia var. angustifolia. The best time to take cuttings is in early spring, right before new growth appears. The cuttings should be taken from the current season's growth and should be about 4-6 inches long. Remove the leaves from the bottom half of the cutting and dip it into rooting hormone. Plant the cutting in a well-draining potting soil and keep it moist but not waterlogged. The rooting process typically takes 8-12 weeks.
Layering Propagation
Layering propagation is a less common method of propagating Ptelea trifoliata L. ssp. angustifolia var. angustifolia. This method involves bending a low-hanging branch down to the ground and partially burying it. The branch should be securely anchored in place with a rock or stake. Once roots have formed, the branch can be cut from the mother plant and replanted in a new location.
Disease Management
One common disease that affects Ptelea trifoliata is powdery mildew. This disease manifests as a white, powdery coating on the leaves, stems, and flowers of the plant. To manage powdery mildew, it is important to keep the area around the plant free of debris and to promote proper airflow. Additionally, fungicides can be used to treat the disease.
Another disease that may affect Ptelea trifoliata is verticillium wilt. This disease causes the leaves of the plant to turn yellow and wilt. To manage verticillium wilt, it is important to promptly remove and discard any infected plants. Additionally, using disease-resistant plants and rotating crops can prevent the spread of this disease.
Pest Management
One common pest that may affect Ptelea trifoliata is the tent caterpillar. These caterpillars create large, silk tents in the branches of the plant and can cause significant damage to the leaves. To manage tent caterpillars, it is important to remove the tents as soon as they are seen and to prune any heavily infested branches. Insecticides can also be used to control these pests.
Another pest that may affect Ptelea trifoliata is the Japanese beetle. These beetles can cause significant damage to the leaves and flowers of the plant. To manage Japanese beetles, it is important to use insecticides and to remove any fallen fruit or debris from the area surrounding the plant. Additionally, handpicking the beetles and dropping them into soapy water can help control their population.
