American bladdernut (Staphylea trifolia)

American bladdernut

Also known as: American Bladder Nut

The american bladdernut, or Staphylea trifolia, gets its name from its unusually shaped seed pod that grows from striking white clusters of flowers. It is a fast-growing, deciduous shrub that can get quite large and spreads easily by suckers that grow at its base.

Scientific classification

Species

American bladdernut (Staphylea trifolia)

Crabapple bushes, bladdernuts, and allies

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Perennial

Lifespan

Shrub

Plant Type

Spring

Bloom Time

Summer, Fall

Harvest Time

3 m to 4.5 m

Plant Height

3 m to 4.5 m

Spread

Green

Leaf Color

2.5 cm

Flower Size

Brown, Copper

Fruit Color

Spring

Growth Season

Rapid

Growth Rate

Images of American bladdernut

Distribution of American bladdernut

Distribution Map

American bladdernut is originally native to the temperate regions of North America. It has been introduced to parts of Eastern Europe where it is now also found. Additionally, american bladdernut is cultivated in various regions, indicating a wider range of adaptation beyond its native and introduced territories.

Native

Cultivated

Invasive

Introduced

No species reported

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Habitat

Moist, deep woods, thickets, floodplain woods

Hemisphere Trend Curve

Northern

Sorthern

Quickly Identify American bladdernut

Trifoliate leaves with dark green, hairless upper surface and yellow autumn coloration.

Bell-shaped, greenish-white flowers in nodding panicles, each flower 1/3 inch (8.5 mm) long.

Inflated seed capsules with three lobes, transitioning from green to brown, persisting into winter.

Smooth, red-brown young stems gradually developing into dichotomous mature branches.

Grey, rough trunk bark and smooth, streaked bark on smaller branches, up to 6 inches (15 cm) diameter.

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Care Guide for American bladdernut

Every 1-2 weeks

Water

Partial sun

Sunlight

0 - 32 ℃

Ideal Temperature

Garden Soil

Soil Type

Water: American bladdernut thrives in moist, well-drained soil, preferring consistent moisture with moderate drought tolerance. Water once every 1-2 weeks. Typically grown outdoors, it flourishes in dappled shade and humidity levels found in its natural understory habitat.

Fertilize: Fertilize american bladdernut with balanced nutrition fertilizers in spring, then high nitrogen in late fall, 1-2 times annually. Apply as per instructions to avoid over-fertilization. Nutrient needs decrease in winter; use a slow-release formula for consistent supply to prevent root burn.

Pruning: American bladdernut is a deciduous shrub with trifoliate leaves and bladder-like seed pods. Prune in early spring by removing dead wood and thinning branches to improve air circulation. This promotes healthier growth, enhances flowering, and helps control size.

Propagation: American bladdernut is a deciduous shrub featuring distinctive bladder-like seed capsules. For effective propagation, sow fresh seeds in prepared beds after cold stratification. Alternatively, use softwood cuttings from vigorous shoots under mist with proper hormone treatment and moisture, avoiding overwatering to prevent rot.

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Images of American bladdernut

Distribution of American bladdernut

Quickly Identify American bladdernut

Care Guide for American bladdernut

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