California hoptree
Ptelea crenulata
Last reviewed: October 2026
California hoptree (Ptelea crenulata) is a perennial tree native to CA. It blooms in April and May. The flowers draw native bees and flies.
Toxicity unknown
California hoptree (Ptelea crenulata) is not listed by the ASPCA Animal Poison Control Center (opens in new tab) or the other sources we check, so we have no verdict for it either way. Absence from those lists is not a clearance. If your pet shows symptoms after eating any plant, call the ASPCA at (888) 426-4435.
Light
full sun
Water
low
Size
120"–240" H × 120"–240" W
Bloom
Apr, May
Native to
CA
Pollinators
native bees, flies
Before you buy
Your city may pay you to plant this
Cities and water utilities offer rebates for replacing lawn with native and water-wise plants. We track 460 programs across 44 states, each with a link to the provider and the date we last checked it.
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Browse plants for this ecoregion
A small, rounded deciduous tree or large shrub with glossy three-part leaves and clusters of small, fragrant greenish-white flowers in spring. Produces distinctive round, papery, wafer-like winged fruit that persists into fall.
Growing California hoptree
Grow California hoptree in full sun and low water. Mature plants reach 120 to 240 inches tall and spread 120 to 240 inches wide.
Wildlife value
Host plant for giant swallowtail.
Flowers draw native bees and flies, and the foliage serves as a larval host plant for the giant swallowtail butterfly.
Common questions
- How much sun does California hoptree need?
- California hoptree grows best in full sun conditions.
- When does California hoptree bloom?
- California hoptree blooms in April and May.
- Where is California hoptree native?
- California hoptree (Ptelea crenulata) is native to CA, per the World Checklist of Vascular Plants (Kew).
- What butterflies or moths does California hoptree host?
- California hoptree is a larval host plant for giant swallowtail.
Native range data from the World Checklist of Vascular Plants (Kew). Pollinator and host plant associations compiled from GBIF, iNaturalist, and published ecological literature.
If something looks wrong
Common plant problems, and what to check first
These come up on almost any plant. Each guide lists the likely causes in the order they are worth ruling out, with one thing to check before you act on any of them, and links to the source it came from.
- It is dying right after planting
- Leaves turning yellow
- Wilting even though I watered it
- Brown crispy leaf tips
- Bugs on the plant
Ready to grow California hoptree? Add it to your garden in Pollinator Patch to track it and get season-by-season care guidance.