WE ARE OPEN FOR THE SEASON!
Thursday-Saturday: 9AM-5PM
Wednesday & Sunday: by appointment
Mexican Bladdersage
Scutellaria mexicana
Out of stock
1 gallon
Plant Care
Native region:
Local Native; Mojave Desert
Water needs:
Low
Exposure:
Mature size:
Growth rate:
Full Sun; Filtered Sun
3x3
Flower color:
Flower season:
Pruning:
white; purple
Spring; Summer
None
Wildlife
Monarchs:
No
Nectar pollinators:
No
Nighttime pollinators:
No
Rabbit resistant:
No
Scutellaria mexicana, commonly known as Bladder Sage or Paperbag Bush, is a shrub in the mint family, recognized for its distinctive bag- or bladder-like shells that form around its fruits. It thrives in diverse areas of the Mojave, Sonoran, and Colorado deserts, growing in various habitats such as foothills, washes, and creosote-bush communities, and can even be found at the lower margins of pinyon-juniper zones.
This plant forms a rounded shrub, with purple flowers typically blooming from April through June. The bladder-like shells, or "bags," are durable, often remaining on the plant into winter, when they dry and become papery.
Growing Plants in the Desert — Important Information
The information presented here is, to the best of my knowledge, accurate and based on my research from reliable sources, observations I have made of plants growing in my, and other gardens I have visited, and observations of the plants in their native habitats. I would appreciate your feedback and experience to help me educate others!
Cacti: In my experience, cacti are much happier in the filtered shade here in the low desert of the Coachella Valley. Colors are more vibrant and they bloom more profusely, especially the non-native varieties. If you pay attention to how our native barrel and beavertail opuntia grow in the wild, it is frequently tucked in the rocks under creosote or another shrub.
Light Requirements: I have found that in our desert (Sonoran/Colorado) “full sun” plants can take and appreciate the late afternoon filtered sun, especially in the hot summer months.