This large multi-stemmed shrub to small tree has red brown bark and spreading branches that form a dense broad crown. It has glossy dark green divided leaves and greenish white star-shaped flowers appear in a cluster during late spring.

Hardiness zones 7 to 10 

Ptelea crenulata is naturally found widespread in North America from a southern Ontario to throughout the south east to Florida and extending west to New Mexico and Arizona growing in foothill-woodlands along canyons and in yellow pine forests from sea level to an altitude of 700m (2000 ft). 

It prefers an open sunny position but will tolerate some shade and grows in well-drained fertile moist stony soils with a pH 6-8 and is  frost and drought tolerant. 

The Californian Hoptree is grown for its fragrance, foliage and flowers. It is planted as a specimen in small gardens or parks and used along borders for screening. It is suitable for coastal and inland regions establishing in 3-4 years and is moderately long-lived. This native shrub attracts insects and birds and grows in a wide range of climatic zones. ID 3663

Ptelea (TEE-lee-ah)  crenulata (KREN-yoo-LAH-tah)

Rutaceae (roo-TAY-see-ee)
Rue and Citrus Family