Cleomella arborea var. angustata
Bladderpod
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Family: Cleomaceae · Type: Shrub · Native
Cleomella arborea var. angustata (Bladderpod) is a native California shrub in the Cleomaceae family, recognized by unique shrub habit with fusiform inflated fruits.
Bladderpod is a California native shrub found in southern Desert Mojave and Desert Sonoran bioregions on desert slopes, washes, and scrublands at elevations of 60 to 1,220 meters. Flowering from November to June, this plant produces delicate pale yellow to white flowers in small clusters. Growing with woody stems 30 to 100 centimeters tall, it forms a dense, somewhat rounded structure. Its leaves are compound with small, narrow leaflets that provide a fine, intricate texture typical of desert vegetation. The fruit is distinctively fusiform, tapering smoothly from a broader middle to a pointed base and tip.
Identification and appearance
Key characters: 11 sympatric species; unique shrub habit with fusiform inflated fruits
Habitat and range
Habitat: Slopes, washes, desert scrub
Elevation: 60-1220 m
California counties: San Bernardino, Imperial, San Diego, Riverside, Kern, Ventura, Los Angeles
Outside California: Arizona, Mexico
Bloom period
Cleomella arborea var. angustata blooms Nov-Jun.
How to tell it apart
vs Physaria: Physaria has inflated bladder-like pods and 4 petals; Cleomella has small flat round capsules and variable petals.; vs Astragalus: Astragalus has compound leaves and pea-shaped flowers; Cleomella has palmately divided leaves and regular flowers.; vs Sesbania: Sesbania has pinnately compound leaves and large pea flowers; Cleomella has palmate leaves and small regular flowers.; vs Atriplex: Atriplex has tiny greenish flowers and simple leaves; Cleomella has showy flowers and palmately divided leaves.; vs Isocoma: Isocoma has yellow composite flower heads; Cleomella has individual flowers with separate petals and prominent stamens.
Frequently asked questions
Is Cleomella arborea var. angustata native to California?
Yes. Cleomella arborea var. angustata is native to California (recorded as native).
When does Cleomella arborea var. angustata bloom?
Cleomella arborea var. angustata blooms Nov-Jun.
Where in California does Cleomella arborea var. angustata grow?
Cleomella arborea var. angustata occurs in San Bernardino, Imperial, San Diego, Riverside, Kern, Ventura, Los Angeles, at elevations of 60-1220 m.
What plant family does Cleomella arborea var. angustata belong to?
Cleomella arborea var. angustata is in the Cleomaceae family, genus Cleomella.
What habitat does Cleomella arborea var. angustata grow in?
Cleomella arborea var. angustata grows in Slopes, washes, desert scrub.
Related species
Other California species in the same genus, family, or bioregion.
Sources: Jepson eFlora · Index of California Plant Names · CalPhotos
Last updated 2026-09-30
Data from The California Species Project — 14,000+ California species with verified data from CNPS, CDFW, USFWS, Cal-IPC, and more.