Calliandra taxifolia occurs in the Andes in Ecuador and Peru. This species occurs in disturbed and fragmented habitat, which is likely causing some population decline. There is habitat loss from conversion of land to cropland. The area of occupancy of the species is estimated to be less than 2,000 km² but as the species is widespread it is present in more than 10 locations. The species is assessed as Near Threatened as it almost meets the conditions for Vulnerable B2ab(iii,v).

Calliandra taxifolia occurs in the Andes, in Ecuador and Peru. The species has an extent of occurrence of 262,118 km². The currently available herbarium record gives an area of occupancy of 164 km² but it is thought it could be as large as 800 km². The species is found in multiple locations.

The exact number of individuals is unknown. It has been found at densities of 126 individuals per ha. in Ecuador. There is decline in habitat quality and therefore a decline in population size is suspected.

It is a tree found in montane humid and xeric shrubland in the Andes. It grows in disturbed areas dominated by cropland.

The habitat has become fragmented and converted into cropland.

There are no known uses for this species.

There are no conservation actions. Calliandra taxifolia is not recorded in any ex situ collections (BGCI 2022). It was listed as Vulnerable by Tejedor Garavito et al. (2014).