American Bladdernut
Staphylea trifolia
- Native to:
- Canada, United States, Virgin Islands
Randy A. Nonenmacher
Taxonomy
- Division:
- Magnoliophyta | - Flowering plants
- Family:
- Staphyleaceae
- Genus:
- Staphylea
- Species:
- Staphylea trifolia
- USDA Symbol:
- STTR
Growth Characteristics
- Life Cycle:
- Perennial
- Growth Habit:
- Shrub , Tree
- Height:
- 600 cm
- Light Requirements:
- Shade
- Drought Tolerance:
- Low
- Bloom Months:
- apr,may
- Bloom Colors:
- white
- Landscaping Shrub:
- Yes
Wildlife Benefits
- Bees:
- ★☆☆☆☆ Documented bee visitation (GBIF)
- Butterflies & Moths:
- ★☆☆☆☆ Documented Lepidoptera association (GBIF)
- Caterpillars:
- ★☆☆☆☆ Recorded caterpillar host plant (HOSTS Database)
Host Plant for Caterpillars
Fall webworm (Hyphantria cunea), White-marked Tussock Moth (Orgyia leucostigma)
Reported Fauna Sightings
Bees: Common eastern (Bombus impatiens)
Garden & Ecology Notes
- Wildlife Value:
- birds, small mammals
- Fall Color:
- yellow
Soil Requirements
- Soil Type:
- rich, well-drained loamy soil
- pH:
- 5.5 - 7.0 (slightly acidic to neutral)
- Drainage:
- tolerates poor drainage
- Moisture:
- consistently moist
- Notes:
- prefers forested areas with organic matter
Propagation & Germination
- Stratification:
- Cold/moist stratification required — 60–90 days
- Germination Time:
- 30–60 days
- Notes:
- Seeds require cold stratification for 60-90 days to break dormancy.
Pre-treatment: Cold-moist stratification for 30 days at 1–5°C (34–41°F).; then Cold-moist stratification for 60 days.
Source: Claude AI
ORGHPS Germination Guide: Expose to fluctuating outdoor winter temps incl. freezing for 3 months. Increase light/temp in spring.
Where to Buy
Nationwide Seller
- Sheffield's Seed (seeds)
- Prairie Moon Nursery (nursery and seeds)