Bladdernut Staphylea bumalda

Bumald Blatternut gets its common name from its fruits that resemble a bladder.  A deciduous shrub that has a multistemmed suckering habit.  It prefers full sun, however will also do well in partial or light shade and consistently moist soils.  Plant as a hedge or use it in a shrub border or woodland garden.

Its natural habitat includes forests, along streams, and in thickets.  It will thrive in a variety of soil conditions, providing that the soil is not too dry.  The optimum growing conditions include rich loamy soil in full sun to part shade.

The best flowering occurs in the year following a hot summer.  

The edible leaves can be boiled in salted oil.  It's not a typical menu choice, most often eaten when other foods are not available.  It can be dried for future consumption.

Its wood can be harvested and used in construction.  

Oils obtained from the seeds are used for the creation of soaps and paint.

This plant, as well as others in this genus, has a high resistance to honey fungus.

Typically not susceptible to wind damage.

Insects, Diseases, and Other Plant Problems:  No serious problems.  Twig blight and leaf spot are occasional diseases.