Staphylea bumalda, commonly known as Japanese Bladdernut, is a deciduous shrub native to woodland margins and forested areas in East Asia, including Japan, Korea, and parts of China. It typically grows to a height and width of 4-6 feet (1.2-1.8 meters), making it a compact choice for garden settings. The plant has a rounded form with green, pinnate leaves that turn yellow in the fall, adding seasonal interest. In spring and early summer, it produces small, bell-shaped white flowers that hang in clusters, offering a modest yet attractive display. The flowers are followed by inflated, bladder-like seed capsules that are ornamental and persist into winter.

Japanese Bladdernut is valued for its multi-season interest, including its spring flowers, yellow fall foliage, and unique seed capsules. It is suitable for use in mixed borders, woodland gardens, and as a specimen plant. This shrub is adaptable to a range of soil types, provided they are well-drained, and it can tolerate both full sun and part shade. While generally low-maintenance, it may require occasional pruning to maintain its shape and remove any dead or damaged wood.CC BY-SA 4.0