1. * Pink Fairyduster – Calliandra eriophylla
(cal-lee-ANN-druh ear-ee-AW-fil-luh )
Family: Juncaceae (Rush Family)
Native to: Sonoran Desert of Baja CA, north to CA and east to TX. San Diego, Imperial & Riverside
Counties; dry, gravelly slopes & mesas, sandy washes at 2000-5000 feet elevation (600-1500 m).
perennial shrub
mature height: 2-5 ft.
mature width: 3-6 ft.
Woody perennial shrub that is drought deciduous in nature, may be evergreen in garden setting.
Upright to sprawling habit. Densely branched. Leaves bright to blue-green, compound with small
leaflets. Moderate growth rate; spreads via rhizomes. More vigorous with added water.
Growth characteristics:
Blooms in spring – often as early as Feb/Mar but may be Apr/May. Flower clusters
with light pink to reddish-purple stamens look like a miniature duster. Very showy – can literally
cover the plant in fluffy pink puffballs that attract hummingbirds & large butterflies. Flowers have a
strong musky scent at twilight. Fruits are dehiscent pods - open explosively, dispersing the seeds.
Blooms/fruits:
Uses in the garden: Good choice for informal hedge. Does well on slopes for erosion control. Nice
sized shrub for water-wise and desert-themed gardens.
Good, low-maintenance plant for hot
parkways. Excellent habitat potential. Good accent plant – very exotic-looking when in bloom.
Sensible substitute for: Non-native small shrubs.
Excellent habitat plant: provides cover, nectar and seeds.
hummingbirds, ground foraging birds.
Attracts:
Attracts butterflies,
Requirements:
Element
Sun
Soil
Water
Fertilizer
Other
Requirement
Full sun to part shade.
Well-drained soils best; any local pH.
None needed (very drought tolerant) but looks better with occasional water (Zone
1-2 or even 2 is fine)
None needed.
Inorganic mulch best
Tip-prune to increase fullness if desired. Light pruning to shape in late spring after
Other than that, minimal management needed. Very pest-free.
Management:
flowering.
Propagation: from seed: hot water treatment; easy
by cuttings: ?
Plant/seed sources (see list for source numbers): 1, 3, 8, 11, 13, 28
5/2/11
* Native to CA but not to Western L.A. Co.
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