// SPECIES PROFILE · TREE · NATIVE

Wafer ash

Ptelea trifoliata

Wafer ash (Ptelea trifoliata) is a tree in the — family. Native range includes AR, KS, MO, OK. Hardy in zones 2b–11b. Mature size 10'–25'. Blooms Mar–Jul.

// QUICK FACTS

Family: —
Group: tree
Native range: Native to 40 U.S. states, including AL, AR, AZ, CO, CT, DC…
USDA hardiness: Zones 2b–11b
Mature size: 10'–25'
Sun: Part shade
Water: Low · xeric
Bloom: Mar–Jul
Wildlife value: Pollinator and wildlife support
Ecological role: native species profile

Wafer ash (Ptelea trifoliata) — *Ptelea trifoliata* — Wafer ash. Photo by Eric Hunt via Wikimedia Commons (CC BY-SA 4.0).

Field Notes

[ growing · ecology · siting · care ]

Wafer ash (Ptelea trifoliata) is a tree in the — family. Native range includes AR, KS, MO, OK. Hardy in zones 2b–11b. Mature size 10'–25'. Blooms Mar–Jul. Low water use makes it a strong candidate for xeric and drought-conscious plantings.

Why it's on this list: native species profile. Native-range data from the Lady Bird Johnson Wildflower Center (NPIN), cross-checked against iNaturalist observations. Part of Rooted Revival's regional native plant catalog — true natives for Oklahoma, Arkansas, Missouri and Kansas.

Companion Planting

[ guild · polyculture · cross-layer pairings ]

In the same native range, wafer ash pairs naturally with: Eastern Cottonwood (Populus deltoides), Box elder (Acer negundo), Boxelder (Acer negundo var. interius), Boxelder (Acer negundo var. negundo).