American Bladdernut

(Staphylea trifolia)

American Bladdernut (Staphylea trifolia)

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Estimated Native Range
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Summary

Staphylea trifolia, commonly known as American bladdernut, is a deciduous shrub native to the understory of deciduous forests, often found along streams and in moist woodlands in eastern North America, including southern Ontario and southwestern Quebec, west to Nebraska and Arkansas, and south to Florida. It typically grows to a height of 3.5 m (11 ft) with a medium to fast growth rate. The American bladdernut has a multi-stemmed form with bright green leaves in spring that turn dark green in summer. Its pendant white flowers bloom in spring and are moderately showy, attracting pollinators. The flowers give way to unique, bladder-like, teardrop-shaped fruits that contain 1-3 seeds resembling brown popcorn. These seeds are sometimes considered edible.

American bladdernut is valued for its ornamental features, including its interesting fruit and its ability to thrive in shaded conditions, making it suitable for woodland gardens, naturalized areas, and as an understory plant in larger landscapes. It is also used for erosion control along streams or on slopes. This shrub prefers part shade to full shade and adapts well to a range of soil types, provided they have medium drainage. It requires low to medium amounts of water once established. While generally low-maintenance, it can spread by suckers, which may need to be managed in a garden setting.CC BY-SA 4.0

Plant Description

  • Plant Type: Tree, Shrub
  • Height: 10-15 feet
  • Width: 10-20 feet
  • Growth Rate: Moderate
  • Flower Color: Green, White
  • Flowering Season: Spring
  • Leaf Retention: Deciduous

Growth Requirements

  • Sun: Part Shade, Full Shade
  • Water: Medium
  • Drainage: Medium

Common Uses

Bee Garden, Border Plant, Butterfly Garden, Deer Resistant, Drought Tolerant, Edible*Disclaimer: Easyscape's listed plant edibility is for informational use. Always verify the safety and proper identification of any plant before consumption., Erosion Control, Low Maintenance, Street Planting

Natural Habitat

Understory of deciduous forests, often found along streams and in moist woodlands

Other Names

Common Names: Bladdernut, Staphylier Trifolié, Staphylier À Trois Folioles, Amerikansk Pimpernöt

Scientific Names: , Staphylea trifolia, Staphylea trifolia f. pyriformis, Staphylea brighamii, Staphylea trifolia f. trifolia, Staphylea trifolia var. typica, Staphylodendron trifoliatum,

GBIF Accepted Name: Staphylea trifolia L.