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Summary

Physical Characteristics

Staphylea colchica is a deciduous Shrub growing to 4 m (13ft) by 4 m (13ft) at a medium rate.
See above for USDA hardiness. It is hardy to UK zone 6. It is in flower from May to June, and the seeds ripen from September to November. The species is hermaphrodite (has both male and female organs) and is pollinated by Insects.
Suitable for: light (sandy), medium (loamy) and heavy (clay) soils. Suitable pH: mildly acid, neutral and basic (mildly alkaline) soils. It can grow in semi-shade (light woodland) or no shade. It prefers moist soil.

UK Hardiness Map US Hardiness Map

Synonyms

Plant Habitats

Woodland Garden Sunny Edge; Dappled Shade; Shady Edge;

Edible Uses

Edible Parts: Flowers Oil
Edible Uses: Oil

Flower buds[74]. No further details are given.

References More on Edible Uses

Medicinal Uses

Plants For A Future can not take any responsibility for any adverse effects from the use of plants. Always seek advice from a professional before using a plant medicinally.
Purgative

Purgative[74].

References More on Medicinal Uses

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Other Uses

Oil

An oil from the seed tastes like pistachio nuts but is purgative[74]. The report did not say if the oil had other uses.

Special Uses

References More on Other Uses

Cultivation details

Tolerant of a wide range of soils so long as they are not too dry[182, 200], it prefers a rich loamy soil in full sun or semi-shade[1, 11, 200]. Prefers a neutral to acid soil but tolerates some alkalinity[202]. A very ornamental plant, it is hardy to about -20°c[184]. Fairly fast-growing when young, but slowing with age[202]. Flowers best in years that follow hot summers[200]. Plants in this genus are notably resistant to honey fungus[200].

References Carbon Farming Information and Carbon Sequestration Information

Temperature Converter

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Plant Propagation

Seed - this can be very slow to germinate, sometimes taking 18 months or more. It is best sown as soon as it is ripe in a cold frame[200], and some of it at least should then germinate in the spring. Stored seed should be sown as early in the year as possible and given cold stratification - it might not germinate until spring of the following year. Prick out the seedlings into individual pots when they are large enough to handle and grow them on in light shade in the greenhouse for their first winter. Plant them out early the following summer. Cuttings of half-ripe wood, 5 - 8cm with a heel, July/August in a frame. Fair to good percentage[78]. Layering in July/August. Takes 15 months. Good percentage[78].

Other Names

If available other names are mentioned here

Native Range

TEMPERATE ASIA: Georgia (Abkhazia, Ajaria)

Weed Potential

Right plant wrong place. We are currently updating this section. Please note that a plant may be invasive in one area but may not in your area so itâ€™s worth checking.

Conservation Status

IUCN Red List of Threatened Plants Status :

Related Plants

Latin Name	Common Name	Habit	Height	Hardiness	Growth	Soil	Shade	Moisture	Edible	Medicinal	Other
Euscaphis japonica		Shrub	3.5	-		LMH	SN	M	1	1
Staphylea bumalda		Tree	1.8	4-8		LMH	SN	M	1	0
Staphylea emodi		Shrub	3.5	8-11		LMH	SN	M	0	0	2
Staphylea pinnata	Bladder Nut	Shrub	4.5	5-9		LMH	SN	M	3	0	0
Staphylea trifolia	American Bladder Nut	Shrub	4.0	4-8	M	LMH	SN	M	3	1	2

Growth: S = slow M = medium F = fast. Soil: L = light (sandy) M = medium H = heavy (clay). pH: A = acid N = neutral B = basic (alkaline). Shade: F = full shade S = semi-shade N = no shade. Moisture: D = dry M = Moist We = wet Wa = water.

Staphylea colchica - Stev.