Botanical Name: Isomeris arborea Add
Common Name: Bladder Pod  
Plant photo of: Isomeris arborea
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California Native Plant
  • Anatomy

  • Culture

  • Design

Plant Type

Shrub

 

Height Range

3-6'

 

Flower Color

Yellow

 

Flower Season

Winter, Spring, Summer, Fall, Constant

 

Leaf Color

Grey Green, Light Green

 

Bark Color

n/a

 

Fruit Color

Green

 

Fruit Season

Winter, Spring, Summer, Fall, Constant

Sun

Full

 

Water

Very Low, Low

 

Growth Rate

Fast

 

Soil Type

Sandy, Clay, Loam, Rocky, Unparticular

 

Soil Condition

Average, Well-drained

 

Soil pH

Neutral, Basic

 

Adverse Factors

n/a

Design Styles

Ranch, Seascape, Wild Garden

 

Accenting Features

Showy Flowers, Unusual Foliage, Unusual Shape

 

Seasonal Interest

Winter, Spring, Summer, Fall

 

Location Uses

Background, Foundation, With Rocks

 

Special Uses

Erosion Control, Fire Resistant, Naturalizing

 

Attracts Wildlife

Hummingbirds

Information by: James Campbell, El Nativo Growers
Photographer: Betsy Thompson
  • Description

  • Notes

The native bladderpod is one of the toughest and unusual natives in California, characterized by its green 'bladder' fruits. The 4-6'H x 4-6'W shrub blooms nearly year round. The yellow flowers are a favorite of hummingbirds. The plant tolerates the roughest of conditions including poor soils, salt spray, extreme drought, etc. Little to no care or water once established in the garden. Also known by Cleome isomeris.
Dig hole, insert plant slightly higher than soil grade. Disturb root ball very little. No amendments, just native soil. No fertilizers. Backfill the hole .Water lavishly. Mulch top of soil around plant in a 4' diameter circle. - Bert Wilson Las Pilitas