Calliandra eriophylla

Common Names

Fairy Duster, Pink Fairy Duster, False Mesquite, Mock Mesquite, Mesquitilla, Mesquitella, Fairy Dusters, Stickpea

Summary

Pink Fairy Duster is a desert Southwest shrub native to arid regions of the southwestern United States and northern Mexico. It is a low-spreading, fine-textured plant about 3 ft tall and 3–4 ft wide with airy, fernlike leaves that close at night. Bright pink to red powder-puff flowers cover it in spring and often after rainfall, and foliage may be deciduous during extended drought. Drought-tolerant and adaptable for erosion control, it attracts hummingbirds, butterflies, and bees.

Culture and uses: Prefers full sun to partial shade and well-drained sandy or gravelly soil, with very low water needs once established and deeper watering during the establishment period. Hardiness zones 7b–11; propagate by seeds; pruning after flowering is light or optional. Suited to xeriscapes, erosion control, and ground-cover or mass-planting applications in desert landscapes, while attracting pollinators such as hummingbirds, bees, and butterflies.

Lifecycle

Perennial

Height

1-3 feet

Spread

3-4 feet

Hardiness Zones

Zones 7-11

Sunlight Requirements

Ideally full sun; tolerates partial sun or partial shade.

Soil Type

Well-drained sandy or gravelly soil

Soil Drainage

Well-drained soil

Soil pH

6.0–8.0, neutral to alkaline

Bloom Color

Pink

Bloom Time

Spring

Foliage Color

Green

Fall Foliage Color

No fall color

Leaf Lifecycle

Deciduous

Growth Rate

Moderate

Seasons of Interest

Spring and Summer

Propagation Methods

Seeds and Cuttings

Attracts Wildlife

Attracts bees, hummingbirds, butterflies, other pollinators, birds