Staphylea trifolia
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Tried and True Recommended by 1 Professional
Species Native to Missouri
Common Name: bladdernut
Type: Deciduous shrub
Family: Staphyleaceae
Zone: 3 to 8
Native Range: Eastern United States
Garden Location: Martha Love Symington Missouri Native Shade Garden
Height: 10 to 15 feet
Spread: 10 to 20 feet
Bloom Time: April to May
Bloom Color: White
Bloom Description: White
Sun: Part shade to full shade
Water: Dry to medium
Maintenance: Low
Flowers: Showy Flowers
Fruit: Showy Fruit
Tolerates: Clay Soil, Dry Soil, Shallow, Rocky Soil, Drought, Dense Shade
Uses: Flowering Tree, Rain Garden

Culture

Easily grown in average, dry to medium, well-drained soils in part shade to full shade. Tolerates wide variety of soils. Prefers moist soils.

Noteworthy Characteristics

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.

Problems

No serious insect or disease problems.

Garden Uses

Native plant gardens, naturalized areas, shade gardens or woodland areas.

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