Staphylea trifolia
American bladdernut
A spreading, deciduous shrub to 4m tall, with dark green, pinnate leaves composed of three finely-toothed leaflets, downy beneath. The foliage turns yellow in autumn. In spring it bears creamy white flowers in pendent clusters; these are followed by papery, 6cm long, inflated seed pods that mature from yellow-green to brown
Size
Ultimate height
2.5–4 metresTime to ultimate height
10–20 yearsUltimate spread
2.5–4 metresGrowing conditions
Moisture
Moist but well–drainedpH
Acid, Alkaline, NeutralColour & scent
| Stem | Flower | Foliage | Fruit | |
| Spring | Cream White | Green | ||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Summer | Green | Green Yellow | ||
| Autumn | Green Yellow | Brown | ||
| Winter |
Position
- Full sun
- Partial shade
Aspect
East–facing or North–facing or South–facing or West–facing
Exposure
Sheltered Hardiness
H6Botanical details
- Family
- Staphyleaceae
- Native to the UK
- No
- Foliage
- Deciduous
- Habit
- Bushy
- Genus
Staphylea are deciduous shrubs or small trees producing hanging clusters of bell- or cup-shaped, white, cream or pink flowers, followed by bladder-like, two- or three-lobed fruit
- Name status
Correct
- Plant range
- E North America
How to grow
Cultivation
Grow in any moist but well-drained soil in full sun or partial shade
Propagation
Propagate by sowing seed in containers in a cold frame in autumn. Take greenwood cuttings in early summer or semi-ripe cuttings in midsummer, both with bottom heat
Suggested planting locations and garden types
- Architectural
- Low Maintenance
Pruning
See pruning group 1 or 2
Pests
Generally pest-free
Diseases
Generally disease-free
Get involved
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