American Bladder Nut

Staphylea trifolia

Basic Information

Family: Staphyleaceae

Genus: staphylea

Plant ID (slug): staphylea-trifolia

Numeric ID: 24236

USDA Hardiness: 4-8

Ratings

Physical Characteristics

Staphylea trifolia is a deciduous Shrub growing to 4 m (13ft 1in) at a medium rate. See above for USDA hardiness. It is hardy to UK zone 5. It is in flower from May to June, and the seeds ripen from September to November. The species is hermaphrodite (has both male and female organs) and is pollinated by Insects. Suitable for: light (sandy), medium (loamy) and heavy (clay) soils. Suitable pH: mildly acid, neutral and basic (mildly alkaline) soils. It can grow in semi-shade (light woodland) or no shade. It prefers moist soil.

Distribution

Eastern N. America - Quebec to Georgia, west to Kansas and Nebraska.

Habitats

Woodland Garden Sunny Edge; Dappled Shade; Shady Edge;

Edible Uses

Edible Parts: Oil Seed Edible Uses: Oil Seed - raw or cooked[161, 177]. They are eaten like pistachios[2]. The seed can be used in place of walnuts (Juglans spp) in making chocolate-chip cookies[183]. A sweet edible oil is obtained from the seed[2]. It is used for cooking purposes[183].

Medicinal Uses

Skin An infusion of the powdered bark has been used as a wash for sore faces[257].