Plant species of Tumamoc Hill

Tumamoc has more than 300 species of plants. Thanks to the artistry, hard work and generosity of T. Beth Kinsey, you can already see a few of them in this part of the website.

The species list has all our species but many do not yet have their own webpage. We are working to include them, too. (Check the What's new? page for notice of additions.)

Meanwhile, visit Beth's own site Fireflyforest where you will find other plants of southern Arizona, as well as many from Hawaii. And please do let Beth know how much you appreciate her work!

Calliandra eriophylla – Fairyduster

Calliandra eriophylla - Fairyduster, Fairy Duster (pink flowers)

Calliandra eriophylla - Fairyduster, Fairy Duster (white flowers)

Calliandra eriophylla - Fairyduster, Fairy Duster

Plant Name

Scientific Name: Calliandra eriophylla

Common Names: Fairyduster, Fairy Duster

Plant Characteristics

Duration: Perennial

Growth Habit: Shrub, Subshrub

Arizona Native Status: Native

Habitat: Desert, Upland

Flower Color: Pink, Pinkish white

Flowering Season: Spring, Summer, Fall. It blooms mainly in the spring and then variably throughout the year after any rains.

Height: 1 to 4 feet (30 to 122 cm) tall

Description: The rounded, puffball flower heads are 2 inches (5 cm) in diameter and contain several clusters of flowers with long, slender stamens. Although usually straight, the long stamens are sometimes twisted and curly. The flowers are followed by curled, brown seed pods. The leaves are green and bipinnate with tiny leaflets.

Special Characteristics

Butterfly Plant – The flowers attract large butterflies like Swallowtails (Family Papilionidae).

Hummingbird Flower – The nectar-filled flowers attract hummingbirds.

Classification

Kingdom: Plantae Plants
Subkingdom: Tracheobionta Vascular plants
Superdivision: Spermatophyta Seed plants
Division: Magnoliophyta Plants
Class: Magnoliopsida Dicotyledons
Subclass: Rosidae
Order: Fabales
Family: Fabaceae Pea family
Genus: Calliandra Benth. – stickpea
Species: Calliandra eriophylla Benth. – fairyduster

RETURN TO SPECIES LIST

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 Tumamoc is managed by the University of Arizona College of Science and Pima County, Arizona.