A variety, fruiticosum (A. Gray) S. Wats., is a shrubby form found in West Texas. It has short, often 3-foliate, [pubescent] leaves and blunt, leathery [leaflets].
COMMON HOPTREE (Wafer-Ash)
Ptelea trifoliata L.
This small tree or large shrub is found scattered over the eastern portion of the state. The [bark] and leaves are bitter and strong-scented and possess tonic qualities.
The hoptree has a straight, slender trunk 6 to 8 inches in diameter and seldom reaches a height of more than 20 feet.
COMMON HOPTREE ([Fruit], three-fourths natural size; leaf, one-third natural size)
The LEAVES are composed of 3 [leaflets], sometimes 5, each of which is [oval] or pear-shaped and pointed, about 4 to 6 inches long and 2 to 3 inches wide, and dark green on the upper surface. The central leaflet is the largest.
The [FRUIT] consists of a small, round, 2-seeded, winged “key” or “[samara]”, resembling somewhat the familiar paper caps for toy pistols. The seeds occur in dense drooping clusters and hang on the tree over winter.
The WOOD is heavy, hard, yellowish-brown, and close-grained. The shrub is often planted as an ornamental.