About Staphylea trifolia L.
Staphylea trifolia L., commonly known as American bladdernut, is native to eastern North America. Its natural range extends from southern Ontario and southwestern Quebec in the north, west to Nebraska and Arkansas, and south to Florida. It is a medium-sized shrub that reaches a height of 3.5 m (11 ft), with a medium to fast growth rate. Its leaves are arranged oppositely on stems and divided into three leaflets. Each individual leaflet measures 4.5–13 cm (2–5 in) long and up to 5 cm (2 in) broad, with a serrated margin. Leaf color is bright green in spring, changing to dark green over the summer. In spring, this species produces pendant white flowers. After flowering, it develops bladder-like, teardrop-shaped fruits that hold 1 to 3 brown seeds with a popcorn-like appearance. Some sources classify these seeds, called nuts, as edible. It is sometimes grown as an ornamental plant.
