Labrador Tea vs American Bladdernut - TreeTime.ca

Labrador Tea vs American Bladdernut

Staphylea trifolia

Rhododendron groenlandicum (Ledum groenlandicum)

NOT AVAILABLE THIS SEASON - MIGHT RETURN

NOT AVAILABLE THIS SEASON - MIGHT RETURN

American Bladdernut
Labrador Tea

American Bladdernut is a fast-growing, ornamental shrub native to eastern North America. It can be grown as a large shrub or trained as a small tree. The small, drooping, white flowers are bell-shaped and grow in clusters. They appear in mid to late spring, attracting various pollinators. Well suited as an understory plant as it prefers shady and partial sun location with moist soils.

The blossoms mature into papery seed capsules and have been described as miniature Japanese lanterns. They are commonly used in dried flower arrangements. The seeds found within the pods are edible, and have a taste similar to pistachios. They can be eaten raw, used in baking or made into a sweet cooking oil.

Care should be taken when planting American Bladdernut, as it can spread quickly. It is prone to suckering and will self-seed. Plant the right tree in the right place.

Labrador Tea is slow-growing evergreen shrub native to the boreal forests of Canada.

It thrives in wet, swampy conditions.

Labrador Tea has narrow, leathery, dark green leaves, topped by a cluster of white flowers in the spring. It is a perfect ornamental shrub for boggy, wet areas of your property.

American Bladdernut Quick Facts

Labrador Tea Quick Facts

Zone: 3a
Zone: 1a
Height: 4 m (12 ft)
Height: 0.5 m (1.5 ft)
Spread: 5 m (15 ft)
Spread: 0.5 m (1.5 ft)
Light: shade, partial shade
Light: any
Moisture: normal, wet
Moisture: any
Growth rate: medium
Growth rate: slow
Life span: long
Life span: short
Suckering: medium
Suckering: none


Toxicity: slightly toxic if ingested
Foliage: leathery, orange undersides, evergreen
Fall colour: rust orange
Flowers: white
Flowers: white, fragrant
Hybrid: no
Hybrid: no
Catkins: no
Catkins: no


Native to: ON, QC
Native to: AB, BC, SK, MB, ON, QC, NS, NB, NL, YT, NT, NU, PE