Bladder Nut

Staphylea pinnata

Physical Characteristics

Staphylea pinnata is a deciduous Shrub growing to 4.5 m (14ft) by 4.5 m (14ft). See above for USDA hardiness. It is hardy to UK zone 6. It is in flower from May to June, and the seeds ripen from September to November. The species is hermaphrodite (has both male and female organs) and is pollinated by Flies. Suitable for: light (sandy), medium (loamy) and heavy (clay) soils. Suitable pH: mildly acid, neutral and basic (mildly alkaline) soils. It can grow in semi-shade (light woodland) or no shade. It prefers moist soil.

Distribution

Europe. Naturalized in Britain[17].

Habitats

Woodland Garden Sunny Edge; Dappled Shade; Shady Edge;

Edible Uses

Edible Parts: Seed Edible Uses: Seed - raw[2, 105, 177]. Said to taste like pistachios, the seeds are eaten by children in Germany[183].

Medicinal Uses

None known

Known Hazards

None known