Quick answer: Fairy duster (Calliandra eriophylla) is native to 1 state. What's commonly sold under this name is the true wild species. It's typically seeds, verified 15 Sep 2026.
Photo: Katja Schulz from Washington, D. C., USA, Wikimedia Commons (CC BY 2.0)
Where it's native
Listed in the directory as native to these states. Click a state for its full native-plant guide.
Growing conditions
From the Lady Bird Johnson Wildflower Center Native Plant Database.
| Sun | Sun |
|---|---|
| Water | Dry |
| Soil | Dry, gravelly soils, neutral alkaline |
| Bloom | Apr-Jul |
| Height | Up to 3 ft |
| Wildlife value | Highly palatable to deer, attracts butterflies/hummingbirds, quail eat seeds |
Buying it
Sold true to the wild species as of the last check (15 Sep 2026), via Amazon.
Sold as: Seeds via Amazon · listing verified 15 Sep 2026
See where to buy →Quick answers about Fairy duster
Where is Fairy duster native?
Fairy duster (Calliandra eriophylla) is native to Arizona. Check your state's page in this directory for the full list of plants native where you live.
When does Fairy duster bloom?
Fairy duster blooms Apr-Jul. Exact timing shifts a few weeks with latitude and elevation.
What growing conditions does Fairy duster need?
Light: Sun. Water: Dry. Soil: Dry, gravelly soils, neutral alkaline. Mature height: Up to 3 ft.
Is Fairy duster good for pollinators and wildlife?
Yes. Wildlife value: Highly palatable to deer, attracts butterflies/hummingbirds, quail eat seeds.
Is Fairy duster deer-resistant or drought-tolerant?
Fairy duster is drought-tolerant.
Where can I buy real Fairy duster seed or plants?
We found a listing sold as seeds that names the true species, last checked 15 Sep 2026. Look for the scientific name Calliandra eriophylla on any listing.
Similar native plants
Native plants that share growing conditions or range with Fairy duster.
- Parry's penstemon Penstemon parryi
- Anderson wolfberry Lycium andersonii
- Chuparosa Justicia californica
- Saguaro Carnegiea gigantea
- Candy barrel cactus (fishhook barrel) Ferocactus wislizeni
- American century plant Agave americana
Also listed under
Get the full buying guide
Every pick worth knowing across pollinators, shade, drought and more, in one PDF, with the tradeoffs spelled out. No spam, unsubscribe anytime.