Fairyduster, Mesquitilla, Mock mesquite. Native to deserts and arid grasslands in California, Arizona, New Mexico and Texas and Mexico. A hardy calliandra with flowers and leaves looking very similar to tropical Calliandra selloi. Densely branched, deciduous shrub to 3 ft., though usually much shorter, with grayish-pubescent leaflets, flowers and pods. The petals of fairy duster are inconspicuous; it is the long, pink filaments of the stamens that make the showy display. This little shrub blooms in spring. The exquisite clusters of flowers with their many long stamens form delicate, pink balls, giving the plant a fluffy pink appearance in full bloom. It belongs to a group of mostly tropical woody plants that includes acacias and mimosas.
Soak overnight, cover seeds with 1/2" well-drained soil mix, keep warm, damp and in bright light.