Staphylea trifolia, American Bladdernut.
Staphylea trifolia, American Bladdernut according to Daniel Moerman's Native American Ethnobotany (1998), the Iroquois used powdered bark for facial sores. The Meskwaki used a bark infusion as a wash to keep children from crying. Seeds were held sacred and used in gourd rattles for medicine dance. Seeds of the European species S. pinnata used to make rosary beads. This widespread shrub in the Staphyleaceae of eastern North America usually grows in rich soils near water. The seeds contain a sweet oil and are eaten like pistachios. Poorly researched, several of the two dozen species in the genus have been shown to have significant antioxidant, immunomodulating, and anti-inflammatory activity. A decoction of the fruits of one species is used in traditional Chinese Medicine for coughs; fresh roots to refresh blood after delivery.
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