Calliandra eriophylla Benth.
Common: Fairy duster, Pink fairy duster,
Desert fairy duster,
Mock mesquite
Family: Fabaceae
Range/Origin: Baja California, Mexico, California to Texas, USA, at 2000 to 5000 feet
elevation (600-1500 m)
Light: Full sun
Temperature: Hardy to 5°F (-18°C), but will freeze to the ground if the temperature is too cold
Water: No watering needed when established, but it looks better with some water
Fairy Duster is a low, densely branched shrub 8 to 48 inches high. The leaves are formed by 2-to-4 pairs of 1/4-inch, oblong leaflets.
Each light pink-to orange puff contains many flowers and is up to 2 inches in diameter. The flowers are darker toward the center, from which the long stamens radiate. Fairy Duster can bloom year round, but usually February through May.
This thornless, perennial shrub provides food to many desert animal, birds and insects.