American Bladdernut
Staphylea trifolia
Last reviewed: June 2026
Light
part shade
Water
medium
Size
72"–180" H × 72"–180" W
Bloom
Apr, May
Native to
AL, AR, FL, GA and 18 more states
Pollinators
bees, flies
Browse plants for this ecoregion
American bladdernut is a native shrub that produces clusters of white bell-shaped flowers in spring, followed by distinctive inflated seed pods that rustle in the wind. This woodland native thrives in partial shade and forms a rounded, multi-stemmed shrub that works well as a naturalistic screen or specimen plant.
In an HOA neighborhood
American Bladdernut takes more care to keep looking intentional in a front yard. Maintenance level: low. Consider it for backyard or mid-zone beds rather than the street edge.
Works well in: backyard only.
- Very large mature size may overwhelm typical residential spaces
- Informal growth habit lacks structured appearance
- Unusual seed pods may be considered messy or unconventional
Wildlife value
The spring flowers attract bees and flies for nectar and pollen. The seeds provide food for birds and small mammals.
Native range data from the USDA PLANTS Database and regional native plant society lists. Pollinator and host plant associations compiled from GBIF, iNaturalist, and published ecological literature.
Does American Bladdernut fit your yard? Open it in Pollinator Patch to check it against your sun, soil, and HOA-conscious filters.