Bladderpod (Cleomella arborea) is a very fast-growing densely-branching shrub with abundant bright-yellow flower clusters at the ends of its stem branches. It can grow to 1 ½ - to 6 ½ -feet tall and 6 feet wide. The fruit is a large, papery, lantern-like capsule that is smooth and green when new, aging to light brown. This is the “bladderpod” for which the plant is named. A typical flower cluster bears a number of unopened flower buds at its tip, open flowers, and  maturing fruits. The leaves are light green.  The flowers stay on the plant most of the year and are highly fragrant, though opinion is divided on whether the scent is pleasant or unpleasant.

Bladderpod is one of the easiest California natives to grow. This tough plant does well even on south-facing slopes, alkaline soils, and salty conditions. It tolerates weekly summer water but can also get by with only natural rainfall. It is easy to grow from seeds and readily self seeds; once you have a few mature plants in your garden, expect new seedlings to pop up each winter.

It is deer resistant and attracts bees, butterflies and hummingbirds. It particularly attracts harlequin beetles which eat the leaves. If they become a problem, they can be removed by hand or sprayed off with a garden hose. It is usually not possible to eliminate them entirely.