Staphylea trifolia

RHS Plant Profile
American bladdernut
Shrubs

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

Position

Full sun, Partial shade

Soil Types

Chalk, Clay, Loam, Sand

Max Height

2.5-4 metres

Max Spread

2.5-4 metres

Size

Time to Maturity
10–20 years
Max Spread
2.5-4 metres
Max Height
2.5-4 metres

Growing Conditions

Chalk Clay Loam Sand
Moisture
Moist but well–drained
pH
Acid or Alkaline or Neutral

Position

Full sun Partial shade
Aspect
East–facing or North–facing or South–facing or West–facing
Exposure
Sheltered
Hardiness
H6

Colour & Scent

Season Stem Flower Foliage Fruit
Spring
Summer
Autumn
Winter

Botanical Details

Family
Staphyleaceae
Native to GB/Ireland
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