This evergreen grows six feet tall and wide with upright branches, light gray, somewhat hairy stems that become darker with age. Its dark green divided, tiny leaflets give this plant a lush, topical look. It produces very colorful, showy blooms with bright red stamens that explode in a mass of color in early spring and intermittently into fall. After flowering, long, thin, brown seedpods appear. The pods open after a period of time and disperse seed. The plant grows in most soils as long as they are well draining. It enjoys full sun with reflected heat or partial shade.
The Baja fairy duster is hardy to twenty to twenty-five degrees Fahrenheit and shows signs of frost damage when the temperatures drop in the teens. Prune dead branches back in early spring for a quick recovery; otherwise, leave it alone to grow in its natural form. Do not over prune this plant. It is extremely heat and drought tolerant but grows at a faster rate with regular irrigation. Use it as a low, informal screen, foundation plant, hedge, desert accent, or hummingbird and butterfly attraction. Plant this appealing, low-water-use accent around patios, pools, and water features. The Baja fairy duster is native to the sandy wash flats and hillsides of Baja California up to 4,000 feet in elevation.