Bladderpod

Peritoma arborea

Formerly Cleome isomeris and Isomeris arborea. Rounded evergreen shrub to subshrub 4-6 ft. tall with attractive yellow flowers, blooming primarily January to June. Odd-smelling sulfurous leaves. Tolerant of alkalinity, occurring on dry, well-drained desert soils in disturbed areas, hillsides, grasslands, washes, roadsides, sand dunes and coastal bluffs; up to 4,500 ft. elevation. Very drought tolerant and adapted to temperatures from below freezing to hot desert summers. Provides food and cover for wildlife and birds, especially quail. Abundant nectar source for pollinators, including both native and introduced bees. Caterpillar host of Becker's white butterfly.