Calliandra californica
Baja Fairy Duster
Family: Fabaceae
Mostly evergreen shrub in Tucson, to about 5x5’ though can get a bit bigger. This plant is usually more evergreen and actively growing in winter (it evolved in Baja California where winter is a more active growing season). As a consequence, it blooms more often with its red flowers which can appear almost any time of year.
There are many selections and hybrids of this plant.
Grow in full to part sun, moderate to low water, hardy to 10° F. Some foliar damage will happen in the 20s.
Very attractive to hummingbirds and butterflies. Larval food plant to the ceraunus and marine blue butterfly species. Seeds eaten by birds, especially quail. There are many selections and hybrids of this plant on the market.
The roots of C. californica are used as red dye for leather. Folk decoctions from the Baja fairy duster are used to treat cystitis, kidney ache, urethritis, prostate inflammation, cramps, fever, and toothache
The genus Calliandra is from the Greek word kallos meaning "beautiful" and andra meaning "stamen" a direct reference to the showy red stamens in the flower. The species epitaph, californica, refers to Baja California where this plant is native.
Native to sandy washes, flats, and hillsides in the Cape region of Baja California.