SafePlants

Bladdernut: A Versatile Shrub or Small Tree

The term "Bladdernut" encompasses several plants, most notably those belonging to the genus Staphylea. These plants, often found as shrubs or small trees, offer intriguing ornamental value and ecological roles.

Considerations for Pets

• Seeds are produced.

Considerations for Children

• Seeds have been used as beads.

Scientific Classification and Nomenclature

• Genus: Staphylea
• Family: Staphyleaceae (Bladdernut Family)
• Species Examples:
  • Staphylea pinnata (Common Bladdernut)
  • Staphylea trifolia (American Bladdernut)
• Synonyms/Alternative Names: The name "Bladdernut" can also refer to Diospyros whyteana (African Tree Essence Tree of Self-Knowledge). Note the distinction, as this is a different species in a different family (Ebenaceae).

Distribution and Habitat

• Staphylea species are native to temperate regions of the Northern Hemisphere, including North America, Europe, and Asia.
• American Bladdernut (Staphylea trifolia) is native to eastern North America, ranging from Ontario down through Georgia.
• They commonly occur in bottomlands, woodland thickets, and moist areas, often forming thickets in undisturbed landscapes.

Morphological Characteristics

• Bladdernuts are typically large shrubs or small trees, ranging from 8-15 feet tall. Staphylea pinnata can reach about 14ft by 14ft.
• They are deciduous, meaning they lose their leaves seasonally.
• American Bladdernut is a suckering shrub, heavily branched.
• The bark on older stems is smooth and grayish-green. Twigs are somewhat coarse, pliable, and reddish-brown.
• Leaves are opposite and trifoliate (compound leaves with 3 leaflets).
• They produce drooping clusters of cream or white, bell-shaped flowers in spring, which mature into distinctive bladder-like pods that persist on the plant.
• Staphylea pinnata grows as a large shrub or small tree to 5m and produces edible seeds 1 cm across tasting rather like pistachio.

Quirky Facts

• The seed capsules of Staphylea pinnata contain hard seeds that have been historically used as beads.

Ecological Role

• Bladdernut is fairly common in rich bottomland forests, especially along streams.

Cultivation

• Staphylea pinnata is hardy to zone (UK) 6 and USDA hardiness 4-8
• American Bladdernut is hardy in zone 4.

Interactions with Other Organisms

• The saffronwood essence may act as a supportive essence to the bladdernut essence.

Further Information

• Dave's Garden offers tips and ideas for gardens.
• Leafsnap provides images of the American Bladdernut (Staphylea trifolia).
• The RHS (Royal Horticultural Society) offers information on Staphylea pinnata.