American Bladdernut (Staphylea trifolia)-Hort Answers - University of Illinois Extension
University of Illinois Extension

University of Illinois Extension

Hort Answers

Shrub

American Bladdernut
Staphylea trifolia

American Bladdernut flowers
American Bladdernut flowers
 
Features
Bell shaped flowers, creamy to greenish in color in mid to late spring; flowers hang in clusters; fruit are inflated pods (green turning to light brown) in late summer. 
 
Culture
Full sun to full shade; moist, well-drained soils are best, but tolerates some wet sites; tolerates alkaline soil. 
 
Cultivars
 
 
Mature Height
6-12 Feet
 
Size
Medium
 
 
Mature Width
6-12 Feet
 
Mature Form
Upright to oval, tends to sucker. 
 
Native To:
United States (and Illinois) 
 
USDA Hardiness Zone
4 - 7 
 
Soil Conditions
Moist, Well-Drained
Wet
 
 
Tolerance
Alkaline Soil
Wet Sites
Wind
 
 
Exposure/Light Requirements
Full Shade
Full Sun
Partial Sun/Shade
 
 
Uses
Naturalizing
 
 
Foliage Color
Green
 
 
Fall Foliage Color
Green
 
 
Pests and Problems

Environmental Damage


 
Additional Notes
This plant can be grown as a shrub or small tree, depending on how it is pruned and maintained.

 

 
Related Resources
Home, Yard & Garden Pest Guide
Illinois Commercial Landscape and Turfgrass Pest Management Handbook
U of IL - Distance Diagnosis through Digital Imaging
U of IL - Plant Clinic