PhotographsMy photos:The photo on the right is from the Visitor's Center garden at Anza Borrego in February - the bladder-like pods are clearly visible. The two photos below are from Torrey Pines State Park.
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This plant has grayish-green foliage which is quite attractive. It will grow up to 10 feet in height and it is a good background plant in a rock or desert garden. It is good on dry slopes and road banks, because it is quite drought tolerant, requiring no more water than natural rainfall; in fact, it should not be watered during the summer months. It is also a useful shrub for showy flowers in the spring and for erosion control. It’s yellow flowers are attractive all year (heaviest during the summer). It can grow in a variety of soils. This plant is a member of the caper family (Capparaceae); the capers found in nice restaurants are also in this family, which contains approximately 650 species. Propagate by seeds in the fall. It can grow in inhospitable locals.
In nature, this rounded and erect evergreen frequently grows in subalkaline places such as coastal bluffs, stabilized dunes, and desert washes.
The pods and leaves were eaten by native people - the flavor is spicy and medium hot. The crushed seeds were used to clear the throat, and for stomach disorders and fevers, an infusion of the leaves was used. The tea made just from the pods also helps to calm general stomach dyspepsia. Additionally, a greenish color can be extracted from the roots as a dye.
Field Trips
Anza Borrego Caspers
Holy Jim Canyon Idyllwild
Joshua Tree Mt Palomar Rancho
Santa Ana Torrey Pines
Last update 04/05/07
Copyright © Jeanne Lepowsky 2004
