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Cleome isomeris (Bladderpod spiderflower)
Loughmiller, Campbell and Lynn

Cleome isomeris Greene

Bladderpod spiderflower, Bladderpod

Capparaceae (Caper Family)

Synonyms: Isomeris arborea

USDA Symbol: CLIS

USDA Native Status: Native to U.S.

Extremely variable as to foliage and fruit, this ill-scented, evergreen shub is usually rounded, erect, widely branched and appoximately 4 ft. tall. The odd-smelling, yellow flowers are followed by curious pods that resemble paper lanterns. Lacy, gray-green leaves are palmately compound.

The species name comes from the Greek words isos (equal) and meris (part), possibly describing the equal halves of the pod.

 

From the Image Gallery

Plant Characteristics

Duration: Perennial
Habit: Shrub
Leaf Retention: Evergreen
Flower:
Fruit:
Size Class: 1-3 ft. , 3-6 ft.

Bloom Information

Bloom Color: Yellow
Bloom Time: Jan , Feb , Mar , Apr , May , Jun , Dec
Bloom Notes: Has an unusual scent.

Distribution

USA: AZ , CA
Native Distribution: S. CA
Native Habitat: Subalkaline coastal bluffs; desert washes; stabilized dunes
USDA Native Status: L48(N)

Growing Conditions

Light Requirement: Sun
Soil Moisture: Dry
Soil Description: Dry, well-drained, slightly alkaline soils
Conditions Comments: Seems to be deer-proof. Drought tolerant and wind resistant.

Benefit

Interesting Foliage: yes

Value to Beneficial Insects

Special Value to Native Bees
Special Value to Honey Bees

This information was provided by the Pollinator Program at The Xerces Society for Invertebrate Conservation.

Propagation

Description: Propagation by seed is possible.
Seed Collection: Mature capsules can be hand-picked. Seeds are both white and black; the black seeds having somewhat higher germination rates.
Seed Treatment: No pretreatment is necessary.
Commercially Avail: yes

Find Seed or Plants

Find seed sources for this species at the Native Seed Network.

From the National Organizations Directory

According to the species list provided by Affiliate Organizations, this plant is either on display or available from the following:

Santa Barbara Botanic Garden - Santa Barbara, CA
Native Seed Network - Corvallis, OR

Bibliography

Bibref 995 - Native Landscaping from El Paso to L.A. (2000) Wasowski, S. and A. Wasowski

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Recommended Species Lists

Find native plant species by state. Each list contains commercially available species suitable for gardens and planned landscapes. Once you have selected a collection, you can browse the collection or search within it using the combination search.

View Recommended Species page

Additional resources

USDA: Find Cleome isomeris in USDA Plants
FNA: Find Cleome isomeris in the Flora of North America (if available)
Google: Search Google for Cleome isomeris

Metadata

Record Modified: 2009-02-20
Research By: TWC Staff

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