Fairyduster

Calliandra eriophylla

Also known as: Rio Grande Stickpea

Native to:
Mexico, United States

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Taxonomy

Division:
Magnoliophyta | - Flowering plants
Family:
Fabaceae
Genus:
Calliandra
Species:
Calliandra eriophylla
USDA Symbol:
CAER

Growth Characteristics

Life Cycle:
Perennial
Growth Habit:
Shrub , Subshrub
Height:
150 cm
Light Requirements:
Full Sun
Drought Tolerance:
High
Bloom Months:
feb,mar,apr,may
Bloom Colors:
pink, white
Landscaping Shrub:
Yes

Wildlife Benefits

Bees:
★☆☆☆☆ Documented bee visitation (GBIF)
Butterflies & Moths:
★★☆☆☆ Documented Lepidoptera association (GBIF)
Hummingbirds:
★☆☆☆☆ Documented hummingbird visits (GBIF)

Reported Fauna Sightings

Hummingbirds: Costa's Hummingbird (Calypte costae)

Garden & Ecology Notes

Wildlife Value:
birds, butterflies, bees
Deer Resistant:
Yes
Fire Ecology:
Fire adapted — tolerates or benefits from fire
Fire Notes:
Resprouts after fire; fire can stimulate seed germination.

Soil Requirements

Soil Type:
sandy, well-drained, nutrient-poor soil
pH:
6.0 - 8.0 (slightly acidic to neutral)
Drainage:
excellent drainage required
Moisture:
dry to moderate
Notes:
native to arid regions, drought-tolerant

Propagation & Germination

Stratification:
Warm then cold/moist stratification (double dormancy) — 30–60 days
Scarification:
Seed coat scarification required before sowing
Germination Time:
14–30 days
Notes:
Seeds require scarification (nicking or hot water) followed by warm stratification then cold stratification for best germination.