Species bladdernut
lime-green leaves with off-white flowers, red anthers and brown branches

bladdernut

Staphylea trifolia

Bladdernut (Staphylea trifolia) is a small deciduous tree native to temperate regions of Europe, Asia and North America. It has upright branches carrying pinnate leaves with three to seven oblong leaflets. In spring, the tree produces clusters of fragrant, white, bell-shaped flowers followed by inflated, thin-walled, brown capsules, which resemble a tiny bladder, thus giving the tree its common name. The capsules persist throughout the winter, making this tree a lovely addition to the garden year-round. Bladdernut can grow up to 30ft in height in optimum conditions. Plant this beautiful, hardy tree in a sunny, sheltered spot in your garden to enjoy its beauty for years to come.

Cycle:

Perennial

Watering:

Minimum

Propagation:

Seed Propagation,Cutting,Layering Propagation,Grafting Propagation,Division

Hardiness Zone:

3 - 8

Flowers:

White Flowers

Sun:

Full sun Partial sun

Soil:

Sandy Loamy

Fruits:

green,yellow,brown Fruits Ready In

Leaf:

Yes

Growth Rate:

Low

Maintenance:

Low

Drought Tolerant:

Yes

Thorny:

Yes

Care Level:

Medium

watering

Bladdernut (Staphylea trifolia) thrives best when it is kept in moist, well-draining soil. Watering once a week is usually enough unless it experiences prolonged periods of extreme heat or drought. When watering, it is best to provide the plant an inch or 2 of water. When the soil feels dry, you know it is time to water again. Additionally, feel free to mist the plant’s foliage to help keep the leaves hydrated.

sunlight

Bladdernut (Staphylea trifolia) is a plant species that prefers to be in bright, direct sunlight for most of the day. During the period of growth in the spring and summer months, it is best to have the plant in full sun, which means at least 6-8 hours of direct sunlight per day. When the days get shorter in the fall and winter, the plant can tolerate a little less intense amount of sun - about 4-6 hours per day is sufficient. It is important to avoid the scorching afternoon sun during these months so as not to damage the plant. The best place for a bladdernut to get its sunlight is where it can bear the early morning and late afternoon sun without being subjected to the more intense midday heat.

pruning

Bladdernut (Staphylea trifolia) should be pruned in late winter or early spring, before new growth begins. Pruning should be light, taking off no more than 1-third of the total growth, and thinning out the branches to keep them growing evenly. Dead or damaged branches should be removed, and branches that are too crowded or crossing should be trimmed. Always make sure to leave several inches of side shoots for flowering. Bladdernut can also benefit from minor shaping throughout the growing season if desired.

Season

Fall
Winter
Spring
Summer
Sep
Oct
Nov
Dec
Jan
Feb
Mar
Apr
May
Jun
Jul
Aug
Harvest Fruit

The harvesting season for Staphylea trifolia, or bladdernut, typically begins in late summer, usually in August or September.

Starts Flowering

Staphylea trifolia typically starts flowering in April.

Harvest Fruit

The harvesting season for Staphylea trifolia, or bladdernut, typically begins in late summer, usually in August or September.

Hardiness Map