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Bladderpod

Peritoma arborea

false

1 gallon; 3 gallon

Bladderpod

Out of stock

3-6'x3-6'

Sizes:

Bladderpod - Peritoma arborea
Synonym: Cleomella arborea, Isomeris arborea, Cleome isomeris

Native to primarily southern California into Baja California, Bladderpod grows in a variety of habitats from coastal bluffs to desert washes. It is an evergreen shrub that grows 2–4 feet tall. Its blue-green leaves give off a pungent odor when disturbed. Some say it smells like burnt popcorn, others say a combination of bell peppers and onions. The odor is thought to discourage insects from eating the leaves. Yellow flowers are produced in clusters year-round with their peak in winter and spring. The flowers are followed by inflated seed pods, giving the plant its common name. A perfect landscape plant that provides a year-round display with newly forming buds, flowers, and developing fruit at all stages—often all on display at the same time.

Bladderpod is an excellent addition to your wildlife habitat. It provides a source of cover for small animals, and nectar for hummingbirds, bees, and butterflies while also being resistant to predation by deer and rabbits.

Wildlife Value:
Host Plant: Bramble Hairstreak (Callophrys affinis); Becker's White (Pontia beckerii)
Nectar Source: 9 species, including Becker's White (Pontia beckerii); Sara Orangetip (Anthocharis sara); Bramble Hairstreak (Callophrys affinis); Silvery Blue (Glaucopsyche lygdamus); Funereal Duskywing (Erynnis funeralis); Monarch (Danaus plexippus)
Bird Resources: Caterpillars; Seeds; Nests; Nectar
Bird Species: Mourning Dove (Zenaida macroura); Gambel's Quail (Callipepla gambelii); Hummingbirds (Anna’s Calypte anna and Costa’s Calypte costae)

Plant Care

Native region:

Local Native; Mojave Native

Water needs:

Low

Exposure:

Full Sun; Filtered Shade

Mature size:

3-6'x3-6'

Growth rate:

Fast

Flower color:

Yellow

Flower season:

Year Round

Pruning:

None

Cold Hardiness:

15 Degrees

Nectar-producing:

Yes

Attracts pollinators:

Yes

Nighttime pollinators:

Yes

Butterflies or Moths:

Yes

Monarchs:

Yes

Larval host:

Yes

Bees:

Yes

Bats:

Birds:

Yes

Nest site:

Yes

Nest materials:

Rabbit-resistant:

Yes

Tortoises:

Growing Plants in the Desert — Important Information

The information presented here is, to the best of my knowledge, accurate and based on reliable research, personal experience in my own garden, observations from other gardens I’ve visited, and time spent studying plants in their native habitats. I always welcome your feedback and experiences to help me continue educating others!

Cacti:
In my experience, cacti are much happier in filtered shade here in the low desert of the Coachella Valley. Their colors are more vibrant and they tend to bloom more profusely, especially the non-native varieties. If you look closely at how our native barrel cactus and beavertail prickly pear grow in the wild, you’ll often find them tucked among rocks or beneath the shelter of creosote and other shrubs.

⚠️ A note of caution: Cacti and succulents are often illegally collected from the wild, which not only damages plant populations but also disturbs entire ecosystems. In some cases, wild populations of cacti have even gone extinct because of this practice. When purchasing these plants, always be sure they’ve been legally obtained. Look for nursery-grown stock or plants with a native plant certification, and keep that documentation for your records.

Light Requirements:
In our desert (Sonoran/Colorado), “full sun” doesn’t always mean what you might think. Many so-called full-sun plants benefit from and actually appreciate some late-afternoon filtered light—especially during the intense summer months.