Quick answer: Common hoptree (Ptelea trifoliata) is native to 28 states. What's commonly sold under this name is the true wild species. It's typically seed, verified 16 Sep 2026.
Photo: Georg Slickers, Wikimedia Commons (CC BY-SA 4.0)
Where it's native
Listed in the directory as native to these states. Click a state for its full native-plant guide.
Growing conditions
From the Lady Bird Johnson Wildflower Center Native Plant Database.
| Sun | Sun, Part Shade, Shade |
|---|---|
| Water | Low-High water, Dry-Wet |
| Soil | Moist to dry, well-drained loams, circumneutral pH |
| Bloom | Bloom Mar-Jul |
| Height | Up to 25 ft, usually shorter |
| Wildlife value | Attracts birds/butterflies, larval host for Eastern Tiger Swallowtail and Giant Swallowtail, nectar source |
Non-toxic (cited in "non-poisonous shade trees for horse pastures" Q&A)
Buying it
Sold true to the wild species as of the last check (16 Sep 2026), via Amazon.
Sold as: Seed via Amazon · listing verified 16 Sep 2026
See where to buy →Quick answers about Common hoptree
Where is Common hoptree native?
Common hoptree (Ptelea trifoliata) is native to 28 states across the Northeast, Midwest and South. Check your state's page in this directory for the full list of plants native where you live.
When does Common hoptree bloom?
Common hoptree blooms Mar-Jul. Exact timing shifts a few weeks with latitude and elevation.
What growing conditions does Common hoptree need?
Light: Sun, Part Shade, Shade. Water: Low-High water, Dry-Wet. Soil: Moist to dry, well-drained loams, circumneutral pH. Mature height: Up to 25 ft, usually shorter.
Is Common hoptree good for pollinators and wildlife?
Yes. Wildlife value: Attracts birds/butterflies, larval host for Eastern Tiger Swallowtail and Giant Swallowtail, nectar source.
Is Common hoptree deer-resistant or drought-tolerant?
Common hoptree is drought-tolerant, tolerates shade and handles wet soil.
Is Common hoptree toxic?
Non-toxic (cited in "non-poisonous shade trees for horse pastures" Q&A).
Where can I buy real Common hoptree seed or plants?
We found a listing sold as seed that names the true species, last checked 16 Sep 2026. Look for the scientific name Ptelea trifoliata on any listing.
Similar native plants
Native plants that share growing conditions or range with Common hoptree.
- Northern spicebush Lindera benzoin
- Common winterberry Ilex verticillata
- American holly Ilex opaca
- Eastern cottonwood Populus deltoides
- Green ash Fraxinus pennsylvanica
- Bur oak Quercus macrocarpa
Also listed under
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