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Staphylea L. (Staphyleaceae)

The Staphyleaceae are a family of two to five genera and about forty-five to fifty species of trees and shrubs; mainly temperate Northern Hemisphere, especially e. Asia.

One species occurs in North Carolina: Staphylea trifolia (Bladdernut). It is native to the state.

Only one other small tree in North Carolina exhibits trifoliolate leaves: Ptelea trifoliata (Hop-tree; Rutaceae). However, in P. trifoliata the leaves are borne alternately, whereas in S. trifolia, the leaves are born oppositely.


Bark of Staphylea trifolia
Bark of Staphylea trifolia (Copyright W. Cook)
Twigs of Staphylea trifolia
Twigs of Staphylea trifolia (coming soon)
Leaves of Staphylea trifolia
Leaves of Staphylea trifolia (Copyright W. Cook)
Flowers of Staphylea trifolia
Flowers of Staphylea trifolia (Copyright W. Cook)
Leaf and fruits of Staphylea trifolia
Leaf and fruits of Staphylea trifolia (Copyright W. Cook)
N.C. distribution of Staphylea trifolia
N.C. distribution of Staphylea trifolia

Staphylea trifolia (Bladdernut)
(Common; nutrient-rich bottomland forests, extending upslope over calcareous or mafic rocks; Mt, Pd, CP; Fl: Apr, Fr: Sep-Oct)