Rhoiptelea
Contents
Description
Rhoiptelea is a genus of deciduous trees that are native to North America and East Asia. It belongs to the family Anacardiaceae and is commonly known as the Hop Tree. The name “Hop Tree” comes from the fact that early American settlers used the dried fruits of the tree as a substitute for hops in the production of beer. The tree has a unique appearance and is often used as an ornamental plant.
Taxonomic Information
| Domain | Eukarya |
| Kingdom | Plantae |
| Phylum | Tracheophyta |
| Class | Magnoliopsida |
| Order | Sapindales |
| Family | Anacardiaceae |
| Genus | Rhoiptelea |
Appearance
The Hop Tree is a small to medium-sized tree that can grow up to 30 feet tall. It has a round, spreading crown and a straight trunk with rough, grayish-brown bark. The leaves are compound, with 7-15 leaflets that are dark green and glossy on the upper surface, and lighter green on the lower surface. In the fall, the leaves turn a bright yellow color before dropping. The flowers are small and inconspicuous, and are followed by small, winged fruits that resemble hops.
Care Guide
The Hop Tree is a relatively low-maintenance tree that is easy to care for. Here are some tips for keeping your Hop Tree healthy:- Water: The Hop Tree prefers well-drained soil and moderate watering. It can tolerate short periods of drought, but it should not be allowed to dry out completely.- Fertilization: The Hop Tree does not require regular fertilization, but a light application of a balanced fertilizer in the spring can help promote growth.- Soil: The Hop Tree prefers slightly acidic soil that is rich in organic matter. It can tolerate a range of soil types, but it should be well-drained.- Sunlight: The Hop Tree prefers full sun to partial shade. It can tolerate some shade, but it will not grow as vigorously.- Hardiness Zones: The Hop Tree is hardy in USDA zones 4-9.
Common Pests & Diseases
The Hop Tree is relatively resistant to pests and diseases. However, it can be susceptible to the following:- Verticillium Wilt: This fungal disease can cause wilting, yellowing, and dieback of the branches. It is difficult to control and may require the removal of infected branches.- Aphids: These small insects can cause curling and distortion of the leaves. They can be controlled with insecticidal soap or neem oil.- Scale Insects: These insects can cause yellowing and premature dropping of the leaves. They can be controlled with insecticidal soap or neem oil.
Habitat
The Hop Tree is native to North America and East Asia. In North America, it is commonly found in the eastern United States, from Texas and Florida north to Minnesota and Maine. It grows in a variety of habitats, including woodlands, stream banks, and rocky slopes.
Question and Answer
Q: Can the fruits of the Hop Tree be eaten?
A: While the fruits of the Hop Tree are not toxic, they are not typically consumed by humans due to their bitter taste.
Q: Is the Hop Tree a good choice for a small garden?
A: Yes, the Hop Tree is a good choice for a small garden because it has a relatively small size and is low-maintenance.
Q: Does the Hop Tree attract wildlife?
A: Yes, the Hop Tree is attractive to a variety of wildlife, including birds and butterflies.
Q: How fast does the Hop Tree grow?
A: The Hop Tree is a relatively slow-growing tree, with an average growth rate of 1-2 feet per year.
Related Plants
Here are some related plants that you may be interested in:- Staghorn Sumac (Rhus typhina)- Poison Ivy (Toxicodendron radicans)- Mango Tree (Mangifera indica)- Cashew Tree (Anacardium occidentale)
References
– “Rhoiptelea.” The Morton Arboretum. Accessed 21 March 2021. https://www.mortonarb.org/trees-plants/tree-plant-descriptions/hop-tree.- “Hop Tree (Ptelea trifoliata).” Missouri Botanical Garden. Accessed 21 March 2021. https://www.missouribotanicalgarden.org/PlantFinder/PlantFinderDetails.aspx?taxonid=286109&isprofile=0&basic=Ptelea%20trifoliata.
