Manchurian Apricot vs American Bladdernut - TreeTime.ca

Manchurian Apricot vs American Bladdernut

Prunus armeniaca var. mandshurica

Staphylea trifolia

NOT AVAILABLE THIS SEASON - MIGHT RETURN

NOT AVAILABLE THIS SEASON - MIGHT RETURN

Manchurian Apricot
American Bladdernut

Manchurian Apricot is a winter-hardy relative of the native plum. This tree can stand some drought, but will not handle standing water or saturated moist soils. It can be used in shelterbelts, hedges, or as an ornamental. Manchurian Apricot will also attract songbirds, rabbits, and other rodents if left uncontrolled.

This tree will produce fruit once it reaches maturity at between two and five years old. Other famous cultivars of Manchurian Apricot include Scout Apricot, Moongold, and many more.

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.

Manchurian Apricot Quick Facts

American Bladdernut Quick Facts

Zone: 3a
Zone: 3a
Height: 5 m (15 ft)
Height: 4 m (12 ft)
Spread: 5 m (18 ft)
Spread: 5 m (15 ft)
Light: full sun
Light: shade, partial shade
Moisture: normal
Moisture: normal, wet
Growth rate: medium
Growth rate: medium
Life span: medium
Life span: long
Suckering: medium
Suckering: medium
Maintenance: medium


Fall colour: orange to yellow
Bark: red to cinnamon brown
Flowers: white to light pink
Flowers: white
Fruit: small apricot
Fruit size: 40g
Firmness: firm
Hybrid: no
Hybrid: no
Catkins: no
Catkins: no


Native to: ON, QC