General Culture:
Easily grown in average, dry to medium, well-drained soils in part shade to full shade. Tolerates wide variety of soils. Prefers moist soils.
Noteworthy Characteristics:
American bladdernut is a fast-growing, suckering, Missouri native large shrub or small tree that commonly occurs in bottomlands, woodland thickets and moist soils along streams throughout the State. Establishes dense colonies in the wild where it is most often seen in a shrubby form. Typically grows 10-15' tall (less frequently to 25'). Compound, trifoliate (three parted), dark green leaves (each ovate leaflet to 4" long). White, bell-shaped flowers in drooping clusters appear in spring. Flowers give way to inflated, bladder-like, egg-shaped, papery seed capsules (1-2" long) which mature in late summer and often persist into early winter. Seed capsules add interest to dried flower arrangements.
Problems:
No serious insect or disease problems.
Uses:
Native plant gardens, naturalized areas, shade gardens or woodland areas.
© Missouri Botanical
Garden, 2001-2010
More photos:
(1 ratings) --- 
