American bladder nut, Eastern Bladdernut
Staphylea trifolia
Family: Staphyleaceae
What it is like
A shrub. The leaves have 3 leaflets and these are 5-8 cm long. The leaflets have fine points and sharp teeth. There are fine hairs underneath the leaves. The leaves change colour in autumn. The flowers are white and 35 mm long. They are in short panicles. The fruit has 3 lobes.
Where it is found
It is a temperate plant. It suits hardiness zones 5-9.
Countries/locations it is found in
Australia, Canada, North America, USA
How it is used for food
The seeds contain a sweet cooking oil. The seeds are eaten raw or they can be used in chocolate chip cookies.
Edible parts
Seeds, seeds - oil, nut.