How much sun does Bladderpod need?

Bladderpod grows best in full sun conditions.

When does Bladderpod bloom?

Bladderpod blooms in March, April, and May.

Where is Bladderpod native?

Bladderpod (Cleomella arborea) is native to AZ, CA, per vouchered herbarium specimen records and regional native plant society lists.

What butterflies or moths does Bladderpod host?

Bladderpod is a larval host plant for Sara orangetip.

Bladderpod

Name: Pollinator Patch
Author: Pollinator Patch

Cleomella arborea

Last reviewed: October 2026

Bladderpod (Cleomella arborea) is a perennial shrub native to AZ, CA. It blooms in March, April, and May. The flowers draw bees.

Toxicity unknown

Bladderpod (Cleomella arborea) is not listed by the ASPCA Animal Poison Control Center (opens in new tab) or the other sources we check, so we have no verdict for it either way. Absence from those lists is not a clearance. If your pet shows symptoms after eating any plant, call the ASPCA at (888) 426-4435.

Light

full sun

Water

low

Size

24"–60" H × 24"–48" W

Bloom

Mar, Apr, May

Native to

AZ, CA

Pollinators

bees

Before you buy

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Browse plants for this ecoregion

Sierra Nevada Central California Foothills and Coastal Mountains Central California Valley Southern California Mountains Mojave Basin and Range Sonoran Basin and Range Southern California/Northern Baja Coast

Woody-based subshrub with compound leaves and clusters of small yellow four-petaled flowers in spring, growing on dry alkaline flats and desert slopes.

Growing Bladderpod

Grow Bladderpod in full sun and low water. Mature plants reach 24 to 60 inches tall and spread 24 to 48 inches wide.

Wildlife value

Host plant for Sara orangetip.

Spring flowers provide nectar and pollen for native bees in arid habitats.

Common questions

How much sun does Bladderpod need?: Bladderpod grows best in full sun conditions.
When does Bladderpod bloom?: Bladderpod blooms in March, April, and May.
Where is Bladderpod native?: Bladderpod (Cleomella arborea) is native to AZ, CA, per vouchered herbarium specimen records and regional native plant society lists.
What butterflies or moths does Bladderpod host?: Bladderpod is a larval host plant for Sara orangetip.

Native range data from vouchered herbarium specimen records and regional native plant society lists. Pollinator and host plant associations compiled from GBIF, iNaturalist, and published ecological literature.

If something looks wrong

Common plant problems, and what to check first

These come up on almost any plant. Each guide lists the likely causes in the order they are worth ruling out, with one thing to check before you act on any of them, and links to the source it came from.

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