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100 Desert Wildflowers in Natural Color

26. False-mesquite

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With mimosa-like leaves and long-stamened flowers growing in clusters, false-mesquite, “calliandra,” or “fairy duster” is a small, straggling bush, quite Japanesy in appearance, from a few inches to 3 feet high. It blossoms from February to May, and is quite common below 5,000 feet from west Texas to southern California and northern Mexico. In California it is especially abundant along the east side of the Chocolate Mountains. During periods of drought the leaves enter a state of continued wilt, but revive promptly when rain comes.

Calliandra eriophylla Pea Family

Illustration from 100 Desert Wildflowers in Natural Color

FALSE-MESQUITE

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