I’m a sucker for a tree with interesting fruit. Recently I came across the “bladdernut,” and I knew I needed to do some research, at very least to find out about the origins of the unusual name of this tree.
The bladdernut is botanically referred to as Staphylea trifolia, and it’s a member of the bladdernut or Staphyleaceae family. Staphylea is from the Greek word that means “cluster of grapes,” which is in reference to the flowers of the bladdernut. Trifolia refers to the three leaflets of each leaf.
The bladdernut is a native in Missouri and is found across most of the Midwest, Northeast and into Canada. The bladdernut is considered to be a thick-forming shrub or a small tree. Bladdernuts reach about 25 feet in height and most of the tree branches are located near the top of the tree.
In the spring, the bladdernut has two to four-inch drooping clusters of small white flowers. The flowers grow on the previous year’s growth. These flowers become fruit in the late summer.
The peculiar common name of the bladdernut comes from the bladderlike capsules of fruit on the tree. In August, two to five clusters of “bladdernuts” that are one to two and half inches long begin to appear. The seed pods have three lobes each that are slightly inflated and open at the tip. These bladders contain one to four seeds apiece.
The leaves of the bladdernut are compound with three leaflets about one and half to four inches long and one to two inches wide. The leaves are bright green and will stay green until late fall when they will turn yellow-green. The leaves are noted for their addition to autumnal color.
In nature, the bladdernut is found in wooded valleys and on north or east facing slopes, along streams and in thickets. The bladdernut is used the garden because of its flower clusters and interesting seed pods.
As it does in its native habitat, the bladdernut will also grow in partial shade. The bladdernut will send out roots that create sucker plants, so it’s best when planting this tree in the landscape to plant it in a location where it will have plenty of room to spread its roots.
Some native species of bladdernut have seeds that have a pistachio-like flavor. The seeds have been used like walnuts in some baking. The seeds also will provide sweet, edible oil.
Questions or comments related to gardening? Contact Joleen at missourigardener@hotmail.com.