Rutaceae > Ptelea (hoptree)
Thin soils over granite outcrops in Alexander Co., NC
3 July 2009
Two varieties of Common Hoptree are found in NC; one is hairy and one is smooth. Both are uncommon and are usually found growing on high pH soils.
Thin soils over granite outcrops in Alexander Co., NC
3 July 2009
Leaves are alternate and are compound with 3 leaflets (trifoliate).
Thin soils over granite outcrops in Alexander Co., NC
3 July 2009
Plants flower in the spring then the winged fruits (samaras) develop in the summer. While the fruits superficially resemble hops, the tree is actually closely related to citrus!
Thin soils over granite outcrops in Alexander Co., NC
3 July 2009
Note the hairy leaf undersuface.
Thin soils over granite outcrops in Alexander Co., NC
3 July 2009
Thin soils over granite outcrops in Alexander Co., NC
3 July 2009