Bladder pod is a small to medium size evergreen shrub with a mounding growth habit, 4-6 ft. tall and as wide. Foliage has pale green color and is comprised of small palmately compound leaves that release a pungent odor when crushed. Terminal clusters of dull yellow flowers provide a showy display in early spring and are followed by the growth of 1-2 in. long inflated seed capsules.

Bladder pod has a remarkable natural range in California where it occurs in coastal, valley and desert climate zones. It is a tough and durable plant that is commonly grown for restoration projects and in native plant gardens. Flowers are attractive during spring and are visited by hummingbirds. In ornamental landscapes and gardens it will grow faster and look better when provided with low amounts of supplemental water during summer.