Also known as fairyduster, mock mesquite, or mesquitilla, the pink fairyduster is from the pea, or Fabaceae, family of plants. It is native to the United States and is botanically called Calliandra eriophylla.
Pink Fairyduster Description
Growing to three feet high but usually coming under that, this branching perennial subshrub has compound leaves and small clustered flowers. Leaves are deciduous. The flower petals are not showy but the long, pink, and billowy stamen filaments make the display. Bloom season is between April and July.
Growing Guide
The pink fairyduster prefers to grow in full sun with a dry gravelly soil. It has a heat tolerance and drought tolerance. Propagate by seed that will need hot water treatment prior to sowing for germination. It is a slow growing native. It will tolerate partial shade but will not have as many flowers as it would if it were in full sun conditions. It has a fibrous root system.
Distribution
It is typically found in the dry slopes and mesas of the states of Arizona, California, New Mexico, and Texas.
Uses
This is a great dry desert or rock garden plant, and it works as an informal hedge. It attracts butterflies and hummingbirds because of its flowers, and the seeds are eaten by quail.
While the shrub itself is not very noticeable with typical green leaves and flowers, the showy stamens make the entire plant puff up in color. It makes for a very airy display in rock gardens and desert gardens. This is a plant that is grouped with other plants that are woody, like the mimosa or acacia plants.
Source: NPIN