Calliandra, Genus, eriophylla, Species,
- Genus & species
pink fairy-duster
Southwestern United States and northern Mexico
Overview
Calliandra eriophylla is a low, spreading deciduous shrub of the southwestern deserts, growing 1–3 feet (30–90 cm) tall and spreading 3–5 feet (0.9–1.5 m) wide with slender, often woolly branches. The leaves are twice-compound and divided into many small leaflets 0.04–0.1 inch (1–3 mm) long, giving a feathery outline. The flowers lack showy petals; instead, each rounded head 1.5–2 inches (4–5 cm) across is formed of numerous long pink to rose-red stamens resembling a powderpuff. Flowering occurs mainly from February to May and again after summer rains. Flat reddish-brown seed pods 2–4 inches (5–10 cm) long follow and split open at maturity, curling back to release the seeds. C. eriophylla grows on rocky slopes, desert washes, and gravelly mesas from California and Arizona east to Texas and south into Mexico. It tolerates heat, drought, and poor soils but drops its leaves during extended drought and is damaged by hard frost below about 15°F (−9°C).
Native Range
Calliandra eriophylla is native to the southwestern United States and northern Mexico, from southern California and Arizona east to Texas and south through Sonora and Baja California. It grows on rocky slopes, desert washes, and gravelly mesas.Suggested Uses
Used in desert and xeric gardens, on dry slopes, and for erosion control on gravelly ground. Spaced 3–5 feet (0.9–1.5 m) apart, it supports pollinators and is browsed by desert wildlife.How to Identify
Appearance
Size & Dimensions
Height1' - 3'
Width/Spread3' - 5'
Bloom Information
Flowering occurs mainly from February to May, with a further flush after summer rains. Each pink to rose-red head 1.5–2 inches (4–5 cm) across is composed of many long stamens that open near dawn. Flat seed pods follow and split lengthwise, curling back to eject the seeds.
Detailed Descriptions
Flower Description
pink to rose-redFoliage Description
green to gray-greenGrowing Conditions
Sun Requirements
Requires 6-12 hours of direct sunlight daily
• Full Sun: 6+ hours of direct sunlight
• Partial Shade: 3-6 hours of direct sunlight
• Full Shade: Less than 3 hours of direct sunlight
Care & Maintenance
Care Guide
Grow C. eriophylla in full sun in sharply drained sandy, gravelly, or rocky soil. It withstands intense heat, drought, and infertile soil once established and suits desert and xeric gardens. Soil pH from 6.5 to 8.0, including alkaline soils, is suitable. The shrub drops its leaves during prolonged drought and during cold spells, and hard frost below about 15°F (−9°C) damages the stems. Established plants need little or no supplemental water. As a legume, it fixes nitrogen and grows on lean soils where many shrubs fail.Pruning
Prune lightly in spring after the main bloom to shape the plant and remove frost-damaged stems. It tolerates cutting back and resprouts from older wood. Heavy pruning can be divided over two seasons to limit stress in hot, dry climates.Pruning Schedule
Prune: May
late spring
