Fairy Duster (Calliandra sp.). Also known as False Mesquite and Mesquitilla. A thornless, perennial shrub used as a food source by a variety of desert animals.
The flowers are frequented by insects and hummingbirds. Photo taken in S. Arizona.
We have identified and photographed over 450 species of western wildflowers to date--230 of which are desert flowers of the Southwestern U.S. All flower images are cataloged and stored using their scientific names since common names are so variable and confusing. A list of flowers and JPEG images free of name watermarks are available for scientific purposes by special request.
