Mayday Cherry vs American Bladdernut - TreeTime.ca

Mayday Cherry vs American Bladdernut

Staphylea trifolia

Prunus padus

NOT AVAILABLE THIS SEASON - MIGHT RETURN

NOT AVAILABLE THIS SEASON - MIGHT RETURN

American Bladdernut
Mayday 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.

Mayday Cherry is a small deciduous tree known for its early blooming and fragrant white flowers.

A favourite specimen tree on prairie homesteads, Mayday Cherry produces small black berries that are inedible to people but highly desirable to birds.

American Bladdernut Quick Facts

Mayday Cherry Quick Facts

Zone: 3a
Zone: 3a
Height: 4 m (12 ft)
Height: 9 m (30 ft)
Spread: 5 m (15 ft)
Spread: 8 m (25 ft)
Light: shade, partial shade
Light: full sun
Moisture: normal, wet
Moisture: normal
Growth rate: medium
Growth rate: medium
Life span: long
Life span: short
Suckering: medium
Suckering: low


Toxicity: seeds and leaves are toxic if ingested
Flowers: white
Flowers: early blooming, white
Fruit: small black berries
Berries: small black berries
Seeds: located within the berries
Hybrid: no
Hybrid: no
Catkins: no
Catkins: no


Native to: ON, QC
Other Names: common bird cherry, european bird cherry