Common Hoptree (Ptelea trifoliata) is in the citrus family family (Rutaceae). Across the U.S., iNaturalist users have logged 1,913 research-grade flowering observations of it in our sample, peaking in April.
Nationally it blooms mainly from April to June, but timing varies a lot by state and elevation — see the table below.
When to photograph Common Hoptree: observations by month (U.S.)
About Common Hoptree
Ptelea trifoliata, commonly called the common hoptree or wafer ash, is a species of flowering plant in the citrus family (Rutaceae). It is native to North America, where it is found in Canada, Mexico, and the United States. It is a deciduous shrub or tree, with alternate, trifoliolate leaves.From Wikipedia via iNaturalist — article, CC BY-SA.
Common Hoptree by state
| State | Observations | Peak month | Main season |
|---|---|---|---|
| Texas | 845 | April | Apr–Apr |
| Illinois | 146 | June | May–Jun |
| New Mexico | 140 | May | Apr–May |
| Arizona | 100 | May | Apr–May |
| Ohio | 71 | June | May–Jun |
| Indiana | 70 | June | May–Jun |
| Missouri | 66 | May | May–May |
| Georgia | 65 | April | Apr–Apr |
| Michigan | 59 | June | Jun–Jun |
| Arkansas | 51 | April | Apr–May |
| Wisconsin | 26 | June | Jun–Jun |
| Massachusetts | 25 | June | Jun–Jun |
| North Carolina | 24 | May | May–May |
| Alabama | 23 | May | May–Jun |
| Kentucky | 23 | May | May–May |
| Tennessee | 23 | April | Apr–May |
| Colorado | 22 | June | May–Jun |
| Florida | 22 | April | Mar–Apr |
| New York | 20 | June | Jun–Jun |
| Maryland | 18 | May | May–May |
| Minnesota | 14 | June | Jun–Jun |
| Virginia | 14 | May | May–Jun |
| Oklahoma | 12 | May | Apr–May |
| Pennsylvania | 9 | June | Jun–Jun |
| Louisiana | 5 | April | Apr–May |
Main season = months with at least 30% of the state's peak-month count.
Photography tips
- Photograph flowers on calm, overcast mornings to avoid wind blur and harsh shadows.
- Get low: a shallow depth of field (f/2.8–f/5.6) isolates a bloom against soft color.
- Stay on trails — trampling meadows kills plants and ruins next year's display.
- Try a kaleidoscope abstract of a single bloom with our online kaleidoscope tool.
FAQ
When is the best time to photograph Common Hoptree?
Nationally, April has the most observations, with the main season from April to June.
Where is Common Hoptree most often seen?
The most observations come from Texas, Illinois, New Mexico.