Eriastrum diffusum, commonly known as Miniature Woollystar, is an annual herb that is native to arid and semi-arid regions, including deserts, chaparral, and open scrublands, primarily in the southwestern United States to northern Mexico. It is adapted to grow in sandy or gravelly soils, often in areas that experience seasonal drought. This plant typically produces a thin, erect, and usually woolly stem that can reach up to 8 inches in height. The leaves are divided into narrow, threadlike lobes, which contribute to its delicate appearance. The inflorescence is a woolly cluster of narrow, leaflike bracts, and the plant is known for its small, showy funnel-shaped flowers with yellowish throats and white to pale blue corollas that bloom in the spring and early summer.

Miniature Woollystar is valued for its unique texture and delicate flowers, which can add visual interest to rock gardens, xeriscapes, and native plant displays. It is a low-maintenance plant that requires minimal water once established, making it suitable for drought-tolerant landscaping. It thrives in full sun and well-drained soils, and due to its small size, it is often used as a ground cover or border plant in appropriate climates. While not commonly affected by diseases, it can be susceptible to root rot if overwatered or planted in poorly drained soils.CC BY-SA 4.0