bladdernut Staphyleaceae Staphylea trifolia L. symbol: STTR Leaf: Opposite, pinnately compound with three (rarely 5) ovate or obovate leaflets that are 2 to 4 inches long. Leaflet margins are serrate. Flower: Green-white, bell-shaped and small, borne on dangling 2 inch long panicles in spring. Fruit: A very unique 1 1/2 inch, 3-lobed, papery capsule that looks inflated. The inflated bag contains several hard, small brown seeds, maturing in September. Twig: Slender, green to brown in color, with a large white pith; buds are brown, 4-scaled, ovoid and may be stalked. Bark: Green-gray in color with white furrows. Form: A large shrub or small tree that is heavily branched and suckers readily, forming a thicket. Additional Range Information: Staphylea trifolia is native to North America. Range may be expanded by planting. See states reporting bladdernut. More: Fall Color External Links: USDA Plants Database © Copyright 2014, Virginia Tech Dept. of Forest Resources and Environmental Conservation, all rights reserved. Photos and text by: John Seiler, Edward Jensen, Alex Niemiera, and John Peterson