Family: Staphyleaceae
Author: L.
Bibliography: Sp. Pl.: 270 (1753)
Year: 1753
Status: accepted
Rank: species
Genus: Staphylea
Vegetable: False
Observations: E. Canada to CE. & E. U.S.A.
Description
The American bladdernut, scientifically known as Staphylea trifolia, is a species notable for its adaptability and widespread presence across the Eastern regions of North America. First documented in 1753 by the renowned botanist Linnaeus, this plant belongs to the family Staphyleaceae.
Native to an expansive range from Eastern Canada to the Central and Eastern United States, American bladdernut typically thrives in understory habitats of deciduous forests. This plant is often seen in moist, well-drained soils, flourishing alongside streams and on wooded slopes where it benefits from partial shade.
The American bladdernut is a deciduous shrub or small tree, growing up to 10-15 feet tall. Its young branches are characterized by a distinctive green color, becoming brown with age. One of its most striking features is its trifoliate leaves, which are arrayed in clusters of three. These leaves display finely serrated edges and a rich green hue, transforming to a vibrant yellow in the autumn.
In the spring, the American bladdernut produces clusters of small, bell-shaped flowers that are typically white or pale yellow. These blossoms not only add a touch of delicacy to the plant’s aesthetic but also play a critical role in attracting pollinators, thereby supporting the local ecosystem.
The plant’s common name derives from its unique, bladder-like seed pods that develop post-flowering. These inflated, pale green fruits can grow up to 1.5 inches in length and eventually transition to a tan color, creating an interesting visual appeal. These pods serve as a protective covering for the seeds, which are released when the pod splits open.
Despite its beauty and ecological benefits, the American bladdernut is relatively undemanding in terms of maintenance. It is resistant to pests and diseases and can be a wonderful addition to naturalized landscapes or woodland gardens, offering both aesthetic and ecological value.
In summary, the American bladdernut is a versatile and resilient plant species that contributes significantly to the biodiversity of the regions it inhabits. Its elegant foliage, enchanting flowers, and distinctive seed pods make it a subject of interest for botanists and plant enthusiasts alike.
Common Names
Eng: american bladdernut, bladdernut
Swe: amerikansk pimpernöt
Fra: staphylier à trois folioles, staphylier trifolié
En: American bladdernut, Bladdernut
Bg: Трилистна клокочка
Fr: Staphylier à trois folioles, Staphylier trifolié
Sv: Amerikansk pimpernöt
Synonyms
- Staphylea trifolia var. typica (C.K.Schneid.)
- Staphylea trifolia var. pauciflora ((Zabel) Rehder)
- Staphylea trifoliata var. pauciflora (Zabel)
- Staphylea trifoliata ((Crantz) Weston)
- Staphylea trifolia f. pyriformis (Dore)
- Staphylodendron trifoliatum (Crantz)
- Staphylea brighamii (J.F.Macbr.)
Distribution
- Alabama (native)
- Arkansas (native)
- Florida (native)
- Georgia (native)
- Illinois (native)
- Kentucky (native)
- Louisiana (native)
- Maryland (native)
- Minnesota (native)
- Mississippi (native)
- Nebraska (native)
- New Jersey (native)
- New York (native)
- North Carolina (native)
- Oklahoma (native)
- Pennsylvania (native)
- South Carolina (native)
- Tennessee (native)
- Vermont (native)
- Virginia (native)
- West Virginia (native)
- Wisconsin (native)
Additional Images
Flower
Taken Apr 26, 2022 by Tim Arnold (cc-by-sa)
Taken Feb 8, 2021 by Martine Brun (cc-by-sa)
Taken May 23, 2022 by Margaret Prendergast (cc-by-sa)
Taken May 21, 2020 by Heffner Laura (cc-by-sa)
Taken Jun 16, 2021 by jacksun (cc-by-sa)
Fruit
Taken Sep 6, 2021 by Dev C (cc-by-sa)
Taken Aug 25, 2020 by bianca bianca andrews (cc-by-sa)
Taken Sep 15, 2022 by Matthew Reeves (cc-by-sa)
Taken Jun 12, 2022 by L P (cc-by-sa)
Taken Oct 24, 2021 by Miroslava Bednářová (cc-by-sa)
Leaf
Taken Oct 2, 2022 by Pamela Bender (cc-by-sa)
Taken Oct 4, 2020 by line (cc-by-sa)
Taken Jun 12, 2022 by L P (cc-by-sa)
Taken Jun 12, 2022 by L P (cc-by-sa)
Taken Sep 12, 2022 by Renée-Louise Lamontagne (cc-by-sa)
Habit
Taken Aug 24, 2014 by EOL − Ben VanderWeide (cc-by-nc)
Taken Jul 1, 2013 by EOL − Jesse Lincoln (cc-by-nc)
Taken May 12, 2013 by EOL − Ron Edwards (cc-by-nc)
Taken May 25, 2013 by EOL − Suzanne Cadwell (cc-by-nc)
Taken May 8, 2021 by lynn pitt (cc-by-sa)
Bark
Taken Jan 1, 1900 by EOL − John Hilty (cc-by-nc)
Taken Jul 3, 2015 by EOL − rbaron (cc-by)
Taken Apr 13, 2003 by EOL − Steven J. Baskauf (cc-by-nc-sa)
Taken May 25, 2013 by EOL − Suzanne Cadwell (cc-by-nc)
Taken May 23, 2019 by Tabitha Holloway (cc-by-sa)
Sources
- WFO (No URL)
- IPNI (No URL)
- GBIF (https://www.gbif.org/species/3190467)
- POWO (http://powo.science.kew.org/taxon/urn:lsid:ipni.org:names:785267-1)
- PlantNet (https://identify.plantnet.org/species/the-plant-list/Staphylea trifolia L.)
Specifications
Growth habit: Tree, Shrub
