Staphylea pinnata

Planted: 1930

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Located in the centre of the Philadelphus Walk, on the east side.

Distribution:	Staphylea pinnata is native to Europe and naturalised in Britain.
Supplier:	James Smith (Scotland Nurseries) Tansley, Matlock, Derbyshire
Growth Habit:	A deciduous shrub
Bark:	Smooth
Leaf:	The species name ‘pinnata‘ refers to the pinnate leaves.
Flowers:	Small, white, bell-shaped, fragrant flowers bloom from May to June, on up to 13 cm long. The flowers are bisexual and are polinated by flies.
Fruit:	Inflated papery capsules, 2 to 3 lobed, up to 4 cm long, ripening from September to November.
Toxicity:	The seeds are edible, and are said to taste like pistachios.
Potential tree size:	6 m
Uses:	Ornamental
Plant Hunter:	Known to Europeans for centuries.
Anecdotes and Comments:	When pressed and dry the seed capsules “pop”.