Staphylea trifolia

The Bladdernut is a small, fast growing deciduous shrub. It occurs naturally along shorelines and edges of woodlands throughout Eastern North America. This species produces light green, compound leaves with three leaflets arranged oppositely along dark green, white dotted branches. Small, bell-shaped, white flowers bloom between April and May. During late summer, the flowers have turned into bladder-shaped, papery fruit which encapsulate the plant seeds. The fruit is light green in colour, turning brown during the fall and can persist on the shrub throughout the winter. This shrub is used frequently in landscaping as it can tolerate a variety of soil, light and moisture conditions. This species thrives in partial to full shade and moist soil conditions. Left alone, the bladdernut can form dense thickets but is easily managed and maintained with minor pruning.

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Scientific Name: Staphylea trifolia
Type: Tree
Height: 3-5m
Spread:
Moisture Level: dry, moist
Light Conditions: full sun, part sun
Soil Conditions: sand, loam
Zone (Hardiness of Canada): 5 to 6