PROTECTING WISCONSIN'S BIODIVERSITY

 
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Scientific Name Common Name Global Rank State Rank Federal Status WI Status

Wafer-ash (Ptelea trifoliata ssp. trifoliata var. trifoliata)

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Photo by R. Schulenberg

 

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Wafer-ash (Ptelea trifoliata ssp. trifoliata var. trifoliata), a Wisconsin Special Concern plant, is found on dry, dolomite ledges in oak forests, in dry prairies, along railroad grades, and along rivers. Blooming occurs late-May through early-June, fruiting throughout July. The optimal identification period for this species is late-May through late-September.

 
 
 
Identification

Wafer-ash is a shrub, 4-6m tall, with flattened or slightly rounded flower heads, 4-8cm wide, forming at the end of the branches. It has many greenish-white or yellowish-white flowers, the petals are 4-7mm long, oblong, and hairy. Its many fruits are 15-25mm wide, thin, flat, rounded, winged, appearing like two rounded pieces of paper pressed together with a small object in between the 2 sheets, with many small veins. They smell of hops. Leaves are alternate with long petioles, divided into 3 egg-shaped or elliptic leaflets.

The widely-winged fruits are very characteristic of this species. It can be distinguished from bladdernut (Staphylea trifolia) by its leaves, alternate vs opposite.

Phenology and Reproduction

Blooming occurs late-May through early-June, fruiting throughout July.

Perennial. The optimal identification period for this species is late-May through September.

Ecology and Associated Species

Associated species include Quercus alba, Q velutina, Juglans cinerea, Crataegus species, Prunus virginiana, Rhus aromatica, and Dirca palustris.

Habitat

Wafer-ash prefers dry, calcareous soils and is found on dry, dolomite ledges in oak forests, in dry prairies, along railroad grades, and along rivers.

Avoidance Measures and Management Guidance

Avoid locating landings, staging areas, or access routes on or near known populations.

Avoid broadcast spraying of herbicides and use care with spot spraying.

This species overwinters above ground, meaning that seasonal restrictions like conducting the a project on frozen ground will not result in avoidance. Therefore, known individual plant locations should be avoided year-round. Consult with a biologist, if needed.

Prescribed burns and/or brushing may be beneficial, dependent on local site conditions and burn frequency. Rotational burns with annual unburned refugia may be preferred.

Maintain partial canopy to encourage woodland species, avoid closed-canopy conditions.

Wildlife Action Plan

Species of Greatest Conservation Need (SGCN) are associated with habitats (or natural communities) and places on the landscape. Understanding relationships among SGCN, natural communities and ecological landscapes help us make decisions about issues affecting SGCN and their habitat and how to respond. Download the Wildlife Action Plan association score spreadsheet to explore rare species, natural communities and ecological landscape associations

Conservation actions respond to issues or threats, which adversely affect species of greatest conservation need (SGCN) or their habitats. Besides actions such as restoring wetlands or planting resilient tree species in northern communities, research, surveys and monitoring are also among conservation actions described in the Wisconsin Wildlife Action Plan because lack of information can threaten our ability to successfully preserve and care for natural resources.

For more information, contact

Kevin Doyle
Conservation Biologist
tel:+1-608-416-3377