Features: The Common Hoptree (Ptelea trifoliata) is a shrub or small tree with leaves composed of three leaflets (hence the scientific name "trifoliata") which, when crushed, smell very citrusy. Not surprisingly then, the plant has a long history of use in native medicine. The clusters of winged fruit produced in the fall are also highly-scented and they were used as a hop substitute by beer brewers in the last century (hence the name Hoptree). The Common Hoptree colonizes disturbed areas and can grow in extremely tough conditions such as sand beaches. Caterpillars of the rare Giant Swallowtail butterfly ( Heraclides cresphontes) feed on the leaves.

Status: Threatened Provincially and Nationally

Range: The Common Hoptree grows in central and southern North America, south from Michigan and Ontario to Texas and Mexico. In Ontario, it occurs at about 20 sites along the Lake Erie shoreline. The largest population is on the west shore of Point Pelee, where recent surveys (2001) estimate there are hundreds of trees. Range Maps

Threats: A recent survey (2001) shows that since the last major survey in 1982, there has been a decline in overall abundance, including loss of all trees at four sites. At three of these sites, the loss was due to cottage development and beach grooming activities. The Point Pelee population remains stable.

Protection: The largest populations occur in Point Pelee National Park and Fish Point Provincial Nature Reserve, where they receive habitat protection and management. There are small populations in provincial parks and concervations areas, in addition to private or municipal land. The species is easily propagated in nurseries and is a popular ornamental tree in gardens in Europe. This means that if re-introductions were needed, they would likely be successful. As a threatened species, the Common Hoptree is protected under Ontario's Endangered Species Act 2007.

Text Sources: Ambrose and Aboud 1984b; Waldron 1997; Ambrose 2001

Last Modified Date: October 2008