PlantFiles: Fairy Duster, False-Mesquite, False Mesquite Calliandra
Calliandra conferta

I believe the plant described and pictured is not Calliandra conferta, but possibly Desmanthus virgatus. C. conferta is described as having reddish-purple calyx, reddish-purple corolla, reddish-purple filaments of stamens, and purple anthers (Trees, Shrubs and Woody Vines of the SW by Robt. A Vines). Both Vines and Manual of the Vascular Plants of Texas, Correll and Johnston state that Texas' C. conferta is either confused with C. eriophylla of Ariz and NM or a subspecies of it. The leaf and seed pod descriptions are also in conlict with the photos. Calliandra conferta is described as an erect woody shrublet. Desmanthus virgatus is a sprawling or crawling plant with mostly herbaceous top from a woody base.

Fairy Duster, False-Mesquite, False Mesquite Calliandra Calliandra conferta is Endemic to Texas and other States.

Fairy Duster, False-Mesquite, False Mesquite Calliandra (Calliandra conferta) is an endemic Texas native plant that is hardy to 15 degrees F. It resembles mimosa sp., but it does not have thorns. Usually, it is three to twelve inches in height with a width of between 1 and 3 feet. An airy looking groundcover, it provides erosion control. The blooms are white to cream or sometimes pink-toned with white stamens. It blooms March through early summer and sporadically in the fall. This plant is often browsed by cattle and white-tailed deer and hummingbirds are attracted to the blooms. I have not grown this plant, but have observed it growing in its native habitat.