Bladdernut is a shrub that grows from 6-12 feet high. It likes part-sun to dappled light and moist soil with organic matter in it.
The name bladdernut comes from the seed pod that looks like an elongated balloon. It starts out green and then into the fall begins to dry out and turns brown. At this point, if you pick a pod, the seeds will rattle around inside. The species epithet—trifolia—refers to the compound leaves with three leaflets (see photos).
I searched in vain for a photo of the flowers that I was certain I had, and then noticed flowers in the background of one of the photos. I’ve put an arrow pointing to those flowers, so take a look.
I’ve most often seen this shrub growing in flood plains, but it has done just fine in my woodland garden, finally flowering after about 6-7 years. It gets part sun and has not needed extra water despite droughty conditions in late summer.
Bladdernut (Staphylea trifolia)
Michigan Flora reference page for statewide distribution: Bladdernut
Height: 6-12’
Bloom Time: May-June
Soil: moist loam, sandy loam
Sun: part sun, dappled light to medium shade
Plant spacing: 5-6’
Flower: white
Life cycle: perennial
Family: Staphyleaceae
Seed Source: Michigan
Sizes:
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Bladdernut is a shrub that grows from 6-12 feet high. It likes part-sun to dappled light and moist soil with organic matter in it.
The name bladdernut comes from the seed pod that looks like an elongated balloon. It starts out green and then into the fall begins to dry out and turns brown. At this point, if you pick a pod, the seeds will rattle around inside. The species epithet—trifolia—refers to the compound leaves with three leaflets (see photos).
I searched in vain for a photo of the flowers that I was certain I had, and then noticed flowers in the background of one of the photos. I’ve put an arrow pointing to those flowers, so take a look.
I’ve most often seen this shrub growing in flood plains, but it has done just fine in my woodland garden, finally flowering after about 6-7 years. It gets part sun and has not needed extra water despite droughty conditions in late summer.
Bladdernut (Staphylea trifolia)
Michigan Flora reference page for statewide distribution: Bladdernut
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