Staphylea comprises deciduous shrubs or small trees that display drooping clusters of white, cream, or pink flowers shaped like bells or cups. These blooms give way to bladder-like fruits that are typically divided into two or three lobes.

Staphylea

Staphylea 'Black Tower'

Staphylea bolanderi

Staphylea bumalda

Staphylea bumalda from Korea

Staphylea colchica is a vertical, deciduous shrub characterized by its glossy foliage, which consists of three to five leaflets. During late spring, it produces clusters of small, white, bell-shaped flowers that are fragrant and can reach lengths of up to 12 cm. These flowers are succeeded by large, inflated fruits that are greenish-white in color.

Staphylea colchica

Staphylea colchica 'Black Beauty' is a deciduous shrub that grows upright and can reach heights of approximately 3 meters. Its foliage features glossy, serrated leaves with a deep chocolate-purple hue that shifts to orange in the fall. In mid to late spring, the plant produces clusters of bell-shaped flowers that emit a light fragrance. These are followed by greenish-white fruits resembling pistachios, which mature to a brown color and persist on the shrub throughout the winter months. This variety is suitable for use in borders, as a hedge, or in wildlife gardens, where it attracts pollinators. The flowers can be pickled in vinegar for a flavor reminiscent of capers, while the fruit's kernels, when roasted, offer a taste similar to that of pistachios or almonds.

Staphylea colchica 'Black Beauty'

Staphylea colchica 'Black Jack'

Staphylea colchica 'Grandiflora'

Staphylea colchica 'Hessei'

Staphylea colchica 'Rosea'

Staphylea colchica var. kochiana

Staphylea emodi

Staphylea holocarpa

Staphylea holocarpa 'Innocence' is a deciduous shrub or low tree that can reach a height of 8 meters. Its foliage consists of three lanceolate leaflets. In mid to late spring, before the leaves appear, this plant produces drooping clusters of bell-shaped flowers measuring about 1.5 cm in length, featuring a subtle pink hue. Following flowering, it develops distinctive, bladder-like green seed pods that transition to shades of pink and red as autumn approaches. This species is well-suited for planting in shrub borders or woodland gardens.

Staphylea holocarpa 'Innocence'

'Rosea' is an upright shrub or a compact, spreading tree featuring blue-green foliage that takes on a bronze hue in spring. The leaves are comprised of three leaflets, each reaching lengths of up to 10 cm. In mid- to late spring, before the emergence of the leaves, the plant produces small, pendulous clusters of bell-shaped pink flowers. These are succeeded by greenish-white, inflated fruits that can grow to about 5 cm in length.

Staphylea holocarpa var. rosea

Staphylea pinnata is a substantial, upright shrub that can reach heights and widths of up to 5 meters. Its foliage consists of dark green leaves made up of five to seven elongated, oval leaflets. In late spring and early summer, it produces elongated clusters of fragrant, bell-shaped white flowers that may have a hint of pink. These flowers are succeeded by pale green, inflated fruits.

Staphylea pinnata

Staphylea pringlei

Staphylea trifolia is a deciduous shrub that can grow up to 4 meters in height. Its dark green leaves are pinnate, featuring three finely-toothed leaflets with a soft, downy underside. In autumn, the leaves transition to a yellow hue. During the spring season, this plant produces creamy white flowers that hang in clusters. After flowering, it develops elongated, papery seed pods measuring about 6 cm, which change from yellow-green to brown as they ripen.