Pin Cherry vs American Bladdernut - TreeTime.ca

Pin Cherry vs American Bladdernut

Staphylea trifolia

Prunus pensylvanica

NOT AVAILABLE THIS SEASON - MIGHT RETURN

NOT AVAILABLE THIS SEASON - MIGHT RETURN

American Bladdernut
Pin Cherry

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.

Pin Cherry is a small tree that produces clusters of white blossoms in spring followed by bright red berries that ripen through the summer. The attractive red color of the leaves in the fall is an added bonus.

The fruit is quite sour when eaten fresh but is excellent when cooked into jam or jelly. Birds love the berries and will be attracted to your property.

American Bladdernut Quick Facts

Pin Cherry Quick Facts

Zone: 3a
Zone: 2a
Height: 4 m (12 ft)
Height: 9 m (30 ft)
Spread: 5 m (15 ft)
Spread: 5 m (16 ft)
Light: shade, partial shade
Light: full sun
Moisture: normal, wet
Moisture: normal
Growth rate: medium
Growth rate: fast
Life span: long
Life span: short
Suckering: medium
Suckering: low
Maintenance: medium


Fall colour: very bright orangish-red
Bark: reddish brown bark has an attractive appearance in the winter
Flowers: white
Flowers: white
Fruit: clusters of edible, red cherries often used for jams and jellies
Berries: clusters of edible, red cherries often used for jams and jellies
Hybrid: no
Hybrid: no
Catkins: no
Catkins: no


Native to: ON, QC
Native to: AB, BC, SK, MB, ON, QC, NS, NB, NL, NT, PE
Other Names: bird cherry, fire cherry, pincherry, red cherry, wild red cherry