Staphylea trifolia – Bladdernut

Virtually unknown in the horticultural trade, this large shrub/small tree is an uncommon member of our northeastern forest understory. Although it’s somewhat inconspicuous and goes mostly unnoticed in the wild, we feel it’s worthy of a spot in the landscape for its striped bark, similar to, though less showy, than the bark of Silverbell (Halesia spp.); bell-shaped flowers, again, similar to those of Silverbell though less showy; and finally, interesting seedpods that dry out in late summer and from which the plant gets its name. Our plants are grown from locally collected seeds.