Wafer Ash (Ptelea Trifoliata) is a small native shrub or tree. It grows about 12 to 36 feet tall, although the only ones I’ve seen on our property are on the short end of this range. The flowers are small and green/white. The fruit is a very distinctive paper-like wafer. The wafers act like wings and help distribute the seeds. The tree provides food and shelter for birds and mammals and the nectar attracts butterflies. All parts of it are aromatic.

While researching for this post, I learned that’s it also known as a Hop Tree, but I’ve never heard it called that. The name is a reference to using the bitter fruit as a substitute for hops in beer brewing.

The Wildflower Center entry says it’s widespread, but I’ve only seen 3 on our property and 1 other tree in our neighborhood. When bearing fruit, the tree stands out and cannot be missed. One of ours was near the house but did not survive last year’s drought. The Wikipedia entry says it grows on rocky slopes, which is a good description of our land. It prefers moist soil and can be found in seep areas.

These photos were taken on July 3 earlier this year at our place. This tree is only about 5 feet tall. It may not be very old or is growing in poor soil.

This tree had many fruit on it, reflecting the plentiful rain we’ve had this year.

It apparently also provides food for grasshoppers. This photo is currently on display at the Naturescapes Exhibition in San Marcos. I call it “Munchin’ on the Wafer Ash”. The grasshopper was methodically stripping the tree of its leaves, but didn’t touch the fruit.

Munchin’ on the Wafer Ash