TD Tree BeeForests Canada

American Bladdernut

Staphylea trifolia

Native

A medium sized shrub, typically growing up to 11 meters tall. It is native to eastern North America and is often used as a ornamental species. It is an under-story shrub, usually forming thickets in undisturbed areas. It prefers moist soils but can grow in a variety of conditions.

Leaf

Divided into 3 leaflets, dark green and smooth above, paler and a little bit hairy underneath

Bark

Young bark is green and smooth with some stripes, Mature bark is grey-brown with ridged, vertical stripes

Fruit/Seed

solitary or in clusters of 2–5, strongly inflated, bladderlike, drooping capsules 1¼–2½ inches long

Flower

Bell shaped, greenish-white with 5 petals. Flowers in May

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158Species

American Bladdernut | Tree Bee