Fairy Duster (Calliandra eriophylla)

Flower cluster of the Fairy Duster (Calliandra eriophylla), Chihuahuan Desert Gardens. Photograph by A.H. Harris.

• Common English Names: Fairy Duster, Desert Fairy Duster, False Mesquite, Mock Mesquite, Hairy-leaved Calliandra
• Common Spanish Names: Mesquitilla, Cósahui del Norte, Anillo, Huajillo, Plumita, Gavia
• Scientific Name: Calliandra eriophylla (cal-lee-ANN-druh ear-ee-AW-fil-luh)
• Family: Fabaceae (Pea Family)
• Geographic Range: Southern Arizona, southwestern New Mexico into northern Mexico from Sonora to Coahuila and south to Puebla.
• Plant Form: Shrub 3' x 3'
• Remarks: Low densely branching plant with slender, ridged stems, small bipinnately compound leaves, and 2" flowering balls, formed by the long pink filaments of 20 or more exerted stamens emerging from small clustered flowers, provide a beautiful spring display and sometimes again in fall. Very xeric with low water requirements, full sun, good drainage, and hardy to 0° F. Good Hummingbird plant.

Last Update: 31 Mar 2006