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Fairy Duster, False Mesquite, Pink Fairy Duster
Calliandra eriophylla

Open to dense, irregular growth habit. Small, deep green to gray-green, fern-like foliage. Dark pink or white/pink, puff-like flowers. Main bloom in spring, then intermittently. Seed pods open violently, ejecting seeds several yards away. Pods can be messy. Seeds attract birds. Very drought tolerant once established, but looks better with some supplemental water in summer. Summer deciduous in drought situations. Occasionally winter deciduous in severe cold. Prune in spring as needed. Remove dead wood and prune to compliment the natural form of the plant. Don't overdue pruning as you will lose flower production. Good near sunny patios, as a specimen plant, in rock gardens, or as a low informal hedge. Also good when erosion control is a concern.

  • Plant type: Shrub
  • Maintenance level: Low
  • Water requirement: Low
  • Sun exposure: Full, Part Sun, Reflected Heat
  • Height range: 2–3 Feet
  • Width range: 2–4 Feet
  • Canopy value: 7 ft²
  • Growth rate: Medium, Slow
  • Seasonal habit: Evergreen, Semi-Evergreen
  • Flower color: White, Pink
  • Flower season: Spring, Summer
  • Fruit color: Brown
  • Fruit season: Summer, Autumn
  • General foliage color: Grey, Green
  • Design style: Pollinator Plants
  • Hardiness cold tolerance: 10 °F
  • Soil preference: Sand, Clay, Loam, Rocky, Well Drained, Dry
  • Native location: Arizona, southern California, southwestern New Mexico, southwestern Texas, and Mexico
  • PH preference: Alkaline/Basic, Neutral, Not Particular
  • Sunset zones: 10, 11, 12, 13, 14, 15, 16, 17, 18, 19, 20, 21, 22, 23, 24
  • USDA hardiness zone: 7a, 7b, 8a, 8b, 9a, 9b, 10a, 10b

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