American Hop Tree
Ptelea trifoliata
Ptelea trifoliata, commonly known as false nettle or scratchberry, is a deciduous shrub native to eastern North America. While its traditional medicinal uses are not well-documented, it has been observed in ecological studies. Insects from five orders and 109 species have been recorded visiting the flowers of Ptelea trifoliata, with male flowers attracting more insects than female ones. Additionally, consumption by Schistocerca emarginata can make these insects distasteful to Anolis carolinensis through regurgitation containing plant material, suggesting potential future specialization in larval host-use abilities. Juvenile bird-winged grasshoppers feeding on Ptelea trifoliata show genetic divergence compared to those feeding on Rubus trivialis, indicating possible chemical or nutritional impacts. Scientific evidence is limited and primarily ecological, with no significant safety concerns or recorded drug interactions noted.
- Best evidence
- D
- Cautions
- —
Informational only. Traditional use does not mean proven effectiveness. Evidence and safety vary — check the cited sources.
What the science says
- The late flight hybrid population shows oviposition preferences similar to P. glaucus and hosts on secondary plants, indicating potential future specialization in larval host-use abilities.
- Insects, primarily from five orders and 109 species, visited Ptelea trifoliata flowers, with male flowers attracting more insects.
- Consumption of Ptelea trifoliata by Schistocerca emarginata can make the insect distasteful and toxic to Anolis carolinensis, potentially through regurgitation containing plant material.
- The study found that juvenile bird-winged grasshoppers feeding on Ptelea trifoliata show genetic divergence compared to those feeding on Rubus trivialis.
Frequently asked questions
What is American Hop Tree?
American Hop Tree (Ptelea trifoliata) is a plant documented in FolkKB's traditional-medicine reference, drawn from sourced literature and cross-checked against the evidence.
What does the scientific evidence say about American Hop Tree?
4 sourced findings are recorded for American Hop Tree; the strongest carries evidence grade D. For example: The late flight hybrid population shows oviposition preferences similar to P. glaucus and hosts on secondary plants, indicating potential future specialization in larval host-use abilities.
How strong is the evidence for American Hop Tree?
The strongest finding for American Hop Tree carries evidence grade D — preliminary or traditional. Grades run A (strongest) to D (preliminary or traditional).
Is American Hop Tree safe? What are the side effects?
No major safety issues are recorded for American Hop Tree in our sources, but the data may be incomplete. Consult a qualified professional before use.
Does American Hop Tree interact with medications?
No drug interactions are recorded for American Hop Tree in our sources. This does not rule them out — check with a pharmacist.
What are the common names of American Hop Tree?
American Hop Tree is also known as: Птелея трёхлистная, Ptelea.
Is American Hop Tree a proven treatment?
No. FolkKB is informational only. Traditional use and early findings are not proof of efficacy or safety — consult a qualified professional and never self-treat.
Sources
- T2 The importance of the ontogenetic niche in resource-associated divergence: evidence from a generalist grasshopper. literature abstract metadata
- T2 Hybridization leads to host-use divergence in a polyphagous butterfly sibling species pair. literature abstract metadata
- T2 Tasty on the outside, but toxic in the middle: grasshopper regurgitation and host plant-mediated toxicity to a vertebrate predator. literature abstract metadata
- T2 Insect Floral Visitors of Ptelea trifoliata (Rutaceae) in Iowa, United States. literature abstract metadata