Where does Ptelea trifoliata naturally grow?

Wafer-ash is native to a broad range across the United States, from Maine to Florida and west to Colorado, New Mexico, and Arizona.

When does Wafer-ash bloom?

Ptelea trifoliata typically blooms from May through July, producing clusters of small, fragrant white flowers.

What pollinators visit Wafer-ash flowers?

The flowers attract a variety of pollinators including bees, butterflies, and beetles, making it a valuable plant for supporting local pollinator populations.

What growing conditions does Ptelea trifoliata prefer?

Wafer-ash tolerates full sun to partial sun and adapts well to low to medium water conditions, making it relatively drought tolerant once established.

Is Wafer-ash toxic to livestock?

The USDA PLANTS Database does not flag Wafer-ash as toxic to livestock.

Is Wafer-ash HOA-friendly?

Wafer-ash is generally an HOA-friendly choice in the right placement, with low maintenance.

Wafer-ash

Name: Pollinator Patch
Author: Pollinator Patch

Ptelea trifoliata

Last reviewed: August 2026

Ptelea trifoliata (Wafer-ash) is a native deciduous tree found across most of the United States. It produces clusters of small white flowers from May through July that attract bees, butterflies, and beetles.

Toxicity unknown

Wafer-ash (Ptelea trifoliata) 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.

The USDA PLANTS Database (opens in new tab) does not flag Wafer-ash as toxic to livestock.

Light

full sun

Water

low

Size

180"–300" H × 180"–300" W

Bloom

May, Jun, Jul

Native to

AL, AR, AZ, CO and 35 more states

Pollinators

bees, butterflies, beetles

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 437 programs across 44 states, each with a link to the provider and the date we last checked it.

Find rebates in your area

Browse plants for this ecoregion

North American Deserts Southern Rockies Arizona/New Mexico Mountains Chihuahuan Deserts High Plains Southwestern Tablelands Central Great Plains Cross Timbers Edwards Plateau Southern Texas Plains Texas Blackland Prairies East Central Texas Plains Western Gulf Coastal Plain South Central Plains Eastern Temperate Forests Ozark Highlands Central Irregular Plains Piedmont Western Corn Belt Plains North Central Hardwood Forests Southeastern Wisconsin Till Plains Central Corn Belt Plains Eastern Corn Belt Plains Southern Michigan/Northern Indiana Drift Plains Northeastern Highlands Northeastern Coastal Zone Middle Atlantic Coastal Plain Northern Piedmont Southeastern Plains Blue Ridge Ridge and Valley Interior Plateau Interior River Valleys and Hills Mississippi Alluvial Plain Mississippi Valley Loess Plains Southern Coastal Plain Madrean Archipelago Sonoran Basin and Range Atlantic Coastal Pine Barrens

Wafer-ash is a small native tree that grows 15-25 feet tall and wide, forming a rounded canopy. It produces clusters of small greenish-white flowers in late spring and summer, followed by distinctive papery, circular seed pods. This drought-tolerant tree adapts well to various soil conditions and provides good shade for smaller spaces.

Growing Wafer-ash

Grow Wafer-ash in full sun and low water. Mature plants reach 180 to 300 inches tall and spread 180 to 300 inches wide. Expect low maintenance to keep it looking intentional in a front yard.

In an HOA neighborhood

Wafer-ash is an HOA-friendly choice. Maintenance level: low. Tidiness: 4 out of 5.

Works well in: front yard, foundation, street edge, mid zone.

Seed pods may be considered messy by some HOAs

Wildlife value

Host plant for Giant Swallowtail butterfly.

The flowers attract bees, butterflies, and beetles during the long blooming period from May through July. The seeds provide food for birds and small mammals.

Common questions

Where does Ptelea trifoliata naturally grow?: Wafer-ash is native to a broad range across the United States, from Maine to Florida and west to Colorado, New Mexico, and Arizona.
When does Wafer-ash bloom?: Ptelea trifoliata typically blooms from May through July, producing clusters of small, fragrant white flowers.
What pollinators visit Wafer-ash flowers?: The flowers attract a variety of pollinators including bees, butterflies, and beetles, making it a valuable plant for supporting local pollinator populations.
What growing conditions does Ptelea trifoliata prefer?: Wafer-ash tolerates full sun to partial sun and adapts well to low to medium water conditions, making it relatively drought tolerant once established.
Is Wafer-ash toxic to livestock?: The USDA PLANTS Database does not flag Wafer-ash as toxic to livestock.
Is Wafer-ash HOA-friendly?: Wafer-ash is generally an HOA-friendly choice in the right placement, with low maintenance.

These answers were drafted with an AI model from this plant's data. Verify care details with a local expert.

Native range data from vouchered herbarium specimen records and regional native plant society lists. Pollinator and host plant associations compiled from GBIF, iNaturalist, and published ecological literature.

Ready to grow Wafer-ash? Add it to your garden in Pollinator Patch to track it and get season-by-season care guidance.

Add this plant to your garden

iPhone app Android app

Not sure where to start? Take the 2-minute yard quiz