Hop Tree (Ptelea trifoliata)

Family: Rutaceae | Edibility: Edible (2/5)

Ptelea trifoliata is a deciduous Tree growing to 6 m (19ft) by 6 m (19ft) at a slow rate. See above for USDA hardiness. It is hardy to UK zone 5 and is not frost tender. It is in flower from June to July, and the seeds ripen from October to November. The species is hermaphrodite (has both male and female organs) and is pollinated by Carrion flies. Suitable for: light (sandy), medium (loamy) and heavy (clay) soils and prefers well-drained soil.

Edible Parts & Harvest Seasons

Edible Parts: Fruit

Harvest Seasons: Early Summer, Fall, Late Summer

Flavor & Culinary Uses

flavour, though it is eaten by young children. — A very bitter flavour, though it is eaten by young children.; The fruit is also used as a hop substitute when making beer and it is added to yeast to make it rise more quickly when making bread.; The fruit is produced abundantly in Britain, though very little of it is fertile.; The fruit is very thin and about 25mm long.

Habitat & North American Range

Moist places, rocky slopes, edges of woods, alluvial thickets and gravels. It is found in many different soil types. (Zone 4, Zone 5, Zone 6, Zone 7, Zone 8)