Did you hear that? There seems to be a rattle in the breeze... It must be none other than bladdernut (Staphylea trifolia - bit.ly/1rUlxo3)! Hearing this plant on a breezy fall day is almost as great as seeing it. At this time of year, it is obvious how bladdernut earned this common name. Suspended along the branches are dried bladders containing hard, round, glossy seeds. Earlier in the spring, each branch sported clusters of beautiful white, bell-shaped flowers. Blooming early, bladdernut is a favorite haunt of bees looking for a much needed meal that early in the year. Bladdernut is also very early to leaf out, a fact that isnt missed by songbirds looking for a nesting site. Early leaf out means readily available hiding spots for a nest. The compound leaves of bladdernut give it a lovely appearance that is matched well by its full, arching appearance. This shrub sends out multiple stems and quickly fills into an area. In order to produce seeds, multiple unrelated individuals are required as bladdernut is not self-compatible. The bladders are strange contraptions. Obviously they assist the plant in seed dispersal but their exact function isnt quite understood. Many believe these buoyant bladders signify water dispersal but bladdernut is often found well out of the way of a viable water source. It is more likely that the light weight bladders blow around in the understory, shooting out seeds as the bang around along the ground. Bladdernut is a true understory species, appreciating shade and moist, rich soils. Given those conditions, bladdernuts and wonderfully hardy shrubs that are sure to please the gardener looking for something beautiful yet quirky. A thicket of bladdernut is something that both humans and wildlife can enjoy together.
Posted on: Mon, 20 Oct 2014 11:26:30 +0000
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