Bladdernut is a large shrub or small tree that is fairly common in rich bottomland forests, especially along streams. The three-parted, opposite, toothed leaves are distinctive. Hoptree also has trifoliate leaves, but the leaves are alternate and it's a rare shrub of drier areas. Boxelder is much larger and more often has 5-parted leaves and green twigs.

Pendant bell-shaped flowers appear in mid-April.

Chapel Hill, NC 4/14/02.

Chapel Hill, NC 4/14/02.

These are followed by bladder-like, air-filled seed pods, which ripen in the fall.

Chatham Co., NC 6/18/05.