Hop Tree
Ptelea trifoliata mollisfam. Rutaceae
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Pl. AC7D — Ptelea trifoliata mollis
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IOverview
Overview
The Hop Tree (Ptelea trifoliata mollis) is a deciduous shrub or small tree native to the southeastern United States. It thrives in moist soils and prefers partial sun to full shade. Known for its edible fruit, this plant can grow up to 6 meters tall. Native to states like Alabama, Arkansas, Florida, Georgia, Illinois, Indiana, and Louisiana, it is valued not only for its ornamental qualities but also for its culinary uses. One distinctive feature of the Hop Tree is its compound leaves, which are trifoliate, resembling a hand with three fingers. Another notable characteristic is its light requirement; while it can tolerate partial shade, full sun enhances its growth and fruit production.
Quick answers
What is Hop Tree?
The Hop Tree (Ptelea trifoliata mollis) is a deciduous shrub or small tree native to the southeastern United States. It thrives in moist soils and prefers partial sun to full shade. Known for its edible fruit, this plant can grow up to 6 meters tall.
What is Hop Tree used for?
Traditionally used for better sleep. Each claim is evidence-rated — see Section II for full citations.
Best for
Top 1 evidence-ranked use of Hop Tree
Clinicaluses · safety · chemistry · dosagemedicinal profile
IIBenefits & evidence
1 claim · 0 sources
Benefits & evidence
1 claim · 0 sources- Traditional-use note: Hop Tree appears in herbal sources around evening relaxation and bedtime routines, often as a tea. PlantSage presents this as ethnobotanical context, not as medical advice.
Traditional context only. This reviewed claim keeps the original low confidence level, but avoids treatment, disease, dosage, or guaranteed-effect language.
Growingconditions · propagation · uses
VCultivation
Cultivation
The Hop Tree (Ptelea trifoliata mollis) thrives in full to partial sun and prefers moist, well-drained soil that can be light (sandy), medium, or heavy (clay). It is hardy in zones 4-8 and grows up to 6 meters tall. For optimal growth, ensure the soil remains consistently moist. Propagate through seeds or cuttings. The edible parts are the fruits.
Light
Full sun, Partial sun/shade
Water
Moist
Soil
Light (sandy), Medium, Heavy (clay)
Hardiness
4-8
Mature size
6.0 m tall
For first-time growers
How to grow Hop Tree for the first time
8steps
Start with a simple, light-loving Hop Tree for your first gardening project.
- 1
What you'll need
A young Hop Tree sapling and some basic gardening tools like a trowel.
- 2
Best time to plant
Plant in spring after the last frost or early fall before the first freeze.
- 3
Soil and container prep
Ensure soil is well-draining, light to medium texture. Amend with compost if needed.
- 4
Sowing or transplanting
Transplant young saplings directly into the ground or a large pot filled with suitable soil.
- 5
First two weeks
Water regularly to keep the soil moist but not waterlogged. Monitor for pests and diseases.
- 6
Ongoing care
Provide full sun to partial shade, regular watering, and occasional pruning to maintain shape.
- 7
Harvest or pruning
Prune in late winter before new growth starts to encourage a healthy structure.
- 8
Common mistakes
Overwatering, planting in heavy soil, neglecting sun exposure, not providing enough support for the plant's height.
VIEdible & utility
Edible & utility
Edible parts:Fruit
Edible uses: The fruit of the Hop Tree (Ptelea trifoliata mollis) is edible and can be eaten raw or dried. It's often used in teas to add a mild flavor to beverages. Skip
Other uses:Lumber
Contextrange · companions · related
VIIDistribution
17 native · 0 introduced
Distribution
17 native · 0 introducedDistribution across1 continent· 17 native
Asia1 region
native (1)Georgia
Broader regions
native:Alabama, Arkansas, District of Columbia, Florida, Illinois, Indiana, Louisiana, Michigan, Mississippi, Missouri, New Mexico, North Carolina, South Carolina, Texas, Virginia, West Virginia
IXSpecimen gallery
1 image
Specimen gallery
1 imageXSee also
8 related
See also
8 relatedPlants you might compare or use together — scored by shared family (Rutaceae), common use cases, and growing requirements.
same family · Rutaceae
Botanical relatives — often share phytochemistry + growing needs.
shared use cases
Different families, similar therapeutic role — good for comparing.
XI
Explore further
Companion planting
Health goals
Compare with similar plants
Growing zone
XII
About this entry
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