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Cleome isomeris
Cleome isomeris Greene
Bladderpod Spiderflower, Bladderpod
Capparaceae (Caper Family)
Synonym(s): Isomeris arborea, Isomeris arborea var. angustata, Isomeris arborea var. globosa, Isomeris arborea var. insularis
USDA Symbol: clis
USDA Native Status: L48 (N)
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.
Plant Characteristics
Duration: PerennialHabit: Shrub
Leaf Retention: Evergreen
Flower:
Size Class: 1-3 ft. , 3-6 ft.
Bloom Information
Bloom Color: YellowBloom Time: Jan , Feb , Mar , Apr , May , Jun , Dec
Bloom Notes: Has an unusual scent.
Distribution
USA: AZ , CANative Distribution: S. CA
Native Habitat: Subalkaline coastal bluffs; desert washes; stabilized dunes
Growing Conditions
Light Requirement: SunSoil 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: yesValue to Beneficial Insects
Special Value to Native BeesSpecial 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 on display at the following locations: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. WasowskiSearch More Titles in Bibliography
Additional resources
USDA: Find Cleome isomeris in USDA PlantsFNA: Find Cleome isomeris in the Flora of North America (if available)
Google: Search Google for Cleome isomeris
Metadata
Record Modified: 2009-02-20Research By: TWC Staff