About Staphylea pinnata L.
Staphylea pinnata L. is a deciduous shrub that can grow up to 6 meters (20 feet) tall. Its specific epithet pinnata refers to its pinnate leaves. This species produces small, white, bell-shaped fragrant flowers that bloom between May and June. The flowers grow in panicles up to 13 centimeters (5.1 inches) long. They are bisexual, and pollination is carried out by flies. After flowering, it develops inflated papery capsules as fruits. These fruits are 2-3 lobed, up to 4 centimeters (1.6 inches) long, and ripen between September and November. The seeds of Staphylea pinnata are edible, and they are reported to taste similar to pistachios. For cultivation, Staphylea pinnata can be grown in locations with full sun or partial shade. It tolerates a wide variety of soil types. It is winter hardy in USDA hardiness zones 6 through 8, and it has low tolerance to drought.
