Dward Stickpea
Calliandra humilis
Family: Fabaceae
Deciduous forb, growing no more than a foot high, but spreading to about 2’. Pinkish flowers April through July.
Part sun, moderate water, very hardy, probably below 0°F.
Larval food plant for ceraunus and marine blue butterfly species and Melipotis moths. When blooming, plants almost glow at sunset or sunrise (your preference of time to be awake).
Photo by Sue Carnahan, SEINET
Calliandra humilisn on iNaturalist
The roots and herbage are used as medicine for various purposes.
Calliandra is from Greek kallos -beautiful- and andra -stamen-, while humilis means low growing.
Found in dry soils from 4,000-9,000 ft. in Arizona, southern New Mexico, southwest Texas, and south to central Mexico.