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fairyduster
Scientific Name: Calliandra eriophylla
Family: Fabaceae
Category: Dicot
Growth: Subshrub, Shrub
Duration: Perennial
Other Names:
Fairy Duster (Calliandra eriophylla)
The Fairy Duster, scientifically known as Calliandra eriophylla, is a charming shrub native to arid regions. Its delicate appearance and vibrant blooms make it a popular choice for desert gardens.
Considerations for Pets
- The text mentions that the Fairy Duster provides food for desert animals, birds, and insects, suggesting potential interactions with local fauna in its native habitat or in gardens where it's cultivated.
- The plant has seeds and requires pruning. Seeds and pruned plant material could present a minor ingestion hazard for some pets.
Considerations for Children
- The plant has seeds. Seeds could present a minor ingestion hazard for young children.
- The plant requires pruning. Pruned plant material could present a minor ingestion hazard for young children.
Common Names
- Fairy Duster
- Native Fairy Duster
- Fairyduster
- False Mesquite
- Mesquitilla
- Hairy-leaved Calliandra
- Pink Fairy Duster
Taxonomy and Nomenclature
- Scientific Name: Calliandra eriophylla
- Family: Fabaceae (Pea Family)
- Genus: Calliandra
- Species: eriophylla
- Synonyms: Calliandra eriophylla Benth.
Distribution and Habitat
Calliandra eriophylla is native to deserts and arid grasslands. It can be found in:
- California
- Arizona
- New Mexico
- Sonoran Desert
Morphological Characteristics and Growth Habits
- It is a low, spreading, and densely branched shrub.
- Typically grows to a height of 8 to 48 inches (approximately 2 feet).
- May be either evergreen or deciduous depending on the climate. In areas with frost, it may freeze to the ground.
- Features small, deep green to blue-green, fern-like foliage.
- The plant produces tassel-like flowers.
Interactions with Other Organisms
- The Fairy Duster provides food for desert animals, birds, and insects.
- Calliandra californica (Baja Fairy Duster) is known to attract hummingbirds.
Related Species
- Calliandra californica: Known as Baja Fairy Duster, it features brilliant scarlet red flowers. It is native to Baja California, Mexico. Synonyms include Tabardillo and Red Fairy Duster.
- Calliandra penninsularis: Known as La Paz Fairy Duster, it also has red flowers.
Further Information
- Dave's Garden: A community website for sharing gardening tips and ideas.
- Desert Botanical Garden, Phoenix: Offers opportunities to view and learn more about the plant.
- Sonoran Desert Museum in Tucson.
- Monrovia: Details and information on Monrovia plants and best practices.