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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)
expand/contract button Twigs of Staphylea trifolia
Twigs of Staphylea trifolia (coming soon)
expand/contract button Leaves of Staphylea trifolia
Leaves of Staphylea trifolia (Copyright W. Cook)
expand/contract button Flowers of Staphylea trifolia
Flowers of Staphylea trifolia (Copyright W. Cook)
expand/contract button Leaf and fruits of Staphylea trifolia
Leaf and fruits of Staphylea trifolia (Copyright W. Cook)
expand/contract button N.C. distribution of Staphylea trifolia
N.C. distribution of Staphylea trifolia
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Staphylea trifolia (Bladdernut)
(Common; nutrient-rich bottomland forests, extending upslope over calcareous or mafic rocks; Mt, Pd, CP; Fl: Apr, Fr: Sep-Oct)