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Plant Database

Search for native plants by scientific name, common name or family. If you are not sure what you are looking for, try the Combination Search or our Recommended Species lists.

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Peritoma arborea (Bladderpod spiderflower)
Loughmiller, Campbell and Lynn

Peritoma arborea

Peritoma arborea (Nuttall) H. H. Iltis

Bladderpod Spiderflower, Bladderpod, Bladderbush, Burro-fat, Spiderflower

Capparaceae (Caper Family)

Synonym(s): Cleome isomeris, Isomeris arborea

USDA Symbol: PEAR15

USDA Native Status: L48 (N)

Extremely variable foliage and fruit. Ill-scented, evergreen shrub. Usually rounded, erect, widely branched and approximately 4 ft. in height. Sometimes taller. The oddly scented, yellow flowers are followed by curious pods that resemble paper lanterns. Lacy, gray-green leaves are palmately compound.

 

From the Image Gallery

11 photo(s) available in the Image Gallery

Plant Characteristics

Duration: Perennial
Habit: Shrub
Leaf Retention: Evergreen
Fruit Type: Capsule
Size Notes: To about 6 feet in height.

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: Southern California, Arizona, and Northwest Mexico.
Native Habitat: Subalkaline coastal bluffs; desert washes; stabilized dunes.

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

Conspicuous Flowers: yes
Interesting Foliage: yes
Deer Resistant: High

Propagation

Propagation Material: Seeds
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

From the National Organizations Directory

According to the species list provided by Affiliate Organizations, this plant is on display at the following locations:

Santa Barbara Botanic Garden - Santa Barbara, CA

Bibliography

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

Search More Titles in Bibliography

Additional resources

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

Metadata

Record Modified: 2022-08-01
Research By: Joseph A. Marcus

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