Bladderpod
Bladderpod (Peritoma arborea):
General information:
Bladderpod is a species of the Caper family. It is native to Southern and Baja California. It mainly grows in coastal bluffs and desert arroyos. The fruit of the plant is edible, and its flowers are typically in unopened clusters. Bladderpod is one of the easiest of the California natives to grow, as it readily self seeds itself. It can tolerate weekly watering during the summer, but can also survive off natural rainfall. It grows well on south-facing slopes, alkaline soils, and under salty conditions.
Appearance:
Its flowers are yellow and grow in clusters. It does bear an edible fruit, and is typically smooth and green. When the fruit ages, it turns into a light brown color.
Plant growth, season, and dormancy:
Bladderpod is a shrub type plant, and it can grow 2-7 feet tall and 6 feet wide. It grows at a rapid rate, and it is evergreen year round. Lastly, it flowers all seasons (summer, fall, winter, and fall).
Landscaping information:
Bladderpod requires full sun, and it is an extremely low moisture/water plant. It requires fast draining soil, and solely requires once a month summer watering once it’s established. It requires well draining soil, such as sand and decomposed granite. It requires a soil pH of 7.0-9.0.
How to use:
This plant is typically used for bank stabilization, and as a deer resistant cover.
Pollinators helped:
-Hummingbirds
-Bees
-Birds
-Caterpillars
