American Bladdernut

Description

Staphylea trifolia

American Bladdernut

Staphylea trifolia, called American bladdernut, is a fast-growing, suckering, Missouri native large shrub or small tree that commonly occurs in bottomlands, woodland thickets and moist soils along streams throughout the State. Establishes dense colonies in the wild where it is most often seen in a shrubby form. Typically grows 10-15′ tall (less frequently to 25′). Compound, trifoliate (three-parted), dark green leaves (each ovate leaflet to 4″ long). White, bell-shaped flowers in drooping clusters appear in spring. Flowers give way to inflated, bladder-like, egg-shaped, papery seed capsules (1-2″ long) which mature in late summer and often persist into early winter. Seed capsules add interest to dried flower arrangements.

Common Name: bladdernut

Type: Deciduous shrub

Native Range: Eastern United States

Zone: 3 to 8

Height: 10.00 to 15.00 feet

Spread: 10.00 to 20.00 feet

Bloom Time: April to May

Bloom Description: White

Sun: Part shade to full shade

Water: Dry to medium

Maintenance: Low

Suggested Use: Flowering Tree, Rain Garden

Flower: Showy

Fruit: Showy

Tolerate: Drought, Heavy Shade, Clay Soil, Dry Soil, Shallow-Rocky Soil, Black Walnut