Alternative common names for this species include mock mesquite and mesquitella.

During the spring and summer the plant begins to bloom pale to vibrant pink flowers.

[6] Calliandra eriophylla is distributed across a wide range of arid and dry areas.

These plants are native to the Arizona region and as such can survive in desert areas with minimal water needs.

[8] The Calliandra eriophylla is fairly common in the deserts of the southwestern United States.

[7] The fairy duster is able to attract these pollinators because it produces a considerable amount of nectar of about 2.17 mg of sugar per flower.

Eventually when they reach maturity the pods, which are dehiscent,[8] will break open and launch the seeds in an attempt to propagate the plant.

[9] The fairy duster flowers are a pale pink color and are an attraction to animals that live in the desert.