Hoptree, rare in North Carolina, is a large shrub or small tree of rocky areas, usually over basic rock.

Durham, NC 5/17/08.

The three-parted leaves could be confused with those of American Bladdernut (Staphylea trifolia), which grows in moist areas, but hoptree leaves are alternate instead of opposite and have a pungent fragrance.

Durham, NC 5/17/08.

Two varieties occur throughout North Carolina: trifoliata has glabrous leaves and twigs; var. mollis has soft dense pubescence on the twigs and leaf undersides. These may not be good varieties and are lumped in the latest version of Weakley's Flora.

Durham, NC 5/17/08.

Durham, NC 5/17/08.

Male flowers.

Durham, NC 5/17/08.

Female flowers.

Durham, NC 5/17/08.

Female flowers.

Durham, NC 5/17/08.

Menard Co., TX 4/27/2011.

Menard Co., TX 4/27/2011.

Staminate flowers.

Menard Co., TX 4/27/2011.

Menard Co., TX 4/27/2011.

Austin, Travis Co., TX 4/29/2011.

Austin, Travis Co., TX 4/29/2011.

Austin, Travis Co., TX 4/29/2011.

The common name comes from the hop-like fruits, which also have a pungent aroma when crushed.

Austin, Travis Co., TX 4/29/2011.

Fruit detail.

Austin, Travis Co., TX 4/29/2011.

Leaf undersides may be densely covered with white hairs or smooth, depending on the variety.

Menard Co., TX 4/27/2011.

The USDA PLANTS database recognizes 4 subspecies of Hoptree — I'm not sure which one this is.

Austin, Travis Co., TX 4/29/2011.

Bark detail.

This shrub is on the Duke campus on Towerview Drive at the top of the hill opposite Circuit Drive. This is the only known site in Durham County.

Durham, NC 5/17/08.

Menard Co., TX 4/27/2011.

Menard Co., TX 4/27/2011.

Menard Co., TX 4/27/2011.