Yellow Birch vs American Bladdernut - TreeTime.ca

Yellow Birch vs American Bladdernut

Staphylea trifolia

Betula alleghaniensis

NOT AVAILABLE THIS SEASON - MIGHT RETURN

NOT AVAILABLE THIS SEASON - MIGHT RETURN

American Bladdernut
Yellow Birch

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.

Yellow Birch is a large and valuable hardwood species in northeastern North America. The bark on its limbs and young trunks is silvery-yellowish in colour, hence the name. This tree prefers to grow in cool regions with damp or saturated soil.

Yellow Birch can be tapped for syrup, like Sugar Maple. Although the sap has less sugar content, it flows in greater quantity than maple trees.

American Bladdernut Quick Facts

Yellow Birch Quick Facts

Zone: 3a
Zone: 3a
Height: 4 m (12 ft)
Height: 18 m (60 ft)
Spread: 5 m (15 ft)
Spread: 11 m (35 ft)
Light: shade, partial shade
Light: full sun
Moisture: normal, wet
Moisture: normal, wet
Growth rate: medium
Growth rate: medium
Life span: long
Life span: long
Suckering: medium
Suckering: low


Fall colour: bright yellow
Bark: shiny yellow to grey silver peels in curly strips, becomes reddish brown when older
Flowers: white
Hybrid: no
Hybrid: no
Catkins: no
Catkins: yes


Native to: ON, QC
Native to: ON, QC, NS, NB, NL, PE
Other Names: golden birch