American Bladdernut (Staphylea trifolia) is a large woodland shrub or small tree with inflated, papery pods that hold a few smooth brown seeds. The pods are remarkably light: while photographing this collection, even a slight breeze tried to scatter them across the table. They turn from pale green to brown and can remain on the branches into winter.

Native to eastern North America, including Ontario and Quebec, it grows along woodland edges and in moist forests. Leaves have three leaflets, and small cream coloured bells hang in clusters in spring. Established shrubs send up suckers and can gradually form a thicket. It tolerates considerable shade, making it an unusual woody option where many flowering shrubs struggle.

These seeds come from cultivated trees at a local arboretum. We have kept some to grow at the nursery and are offering the rest from the same collection.