This deciduous suckering shrub has multiple upright stems with many spreading branches that form a domed crown. It has mid green divided leaves with oblong leaflets and the small whitish bell-shaped flowers appear in a nodding cluster during spring.

Hardiness zones 4 to 9

Staphylea colchicais naturally found in the Caucasus growing in forests and scrubland from sea level to an altitude of 1,200 m (3,937 ft).

It prefers a open sunny to a semi-shaded position and grows in a well drained fertile moist sandy to clay soil and is pH adaptable. It is frost and cold tolerant but drought tender.

The Colchis Bladdernut is grown for its flowers and its dense bushy growth habit. It is planted in p[arks and gardens as a specimen or along borders for screening and can be trained to form a small tree. It is also planted in woodland settings or can be trimmed to form an informal hedge. It is suitable for coastal and low-mountain regions and establishes in 2-4 years and is long lived. ID 3425

Staphylea (staf-FY-lee-a) colchica (KOHL-chik-uh)

Staphyleaceae(STAF-ill-ee-AY-see-ee)