Perennial  •  $6, 4-inch pot

Height12 inches
Spread 12 inches
Sun ExposureFull to Part sun
Soil MoistureMedium to Dry
Bloom ColorWhite
Bloom TimeApril, May
Companion PlantingsTwo-Flowered Cynthia, Blue Grama
Special Attributes

Antennaria plantaginifolia

Pussytoes earns its common name from the blooms’ resemblance to cats’ feet/paws. This perennial is an early bloomer, beginning in April and lasting for about 3 weeks, and attracts mostly small bees and flies. Highly adaptable to many conditions, including medium to dry soil and full sun to light shade, this plant is often used as a groundcover due to its short stature and attractive foliage. This plant will tolerate poor soil, including clay and rocky soil, locations that usually lack competition from taller plants. Antennaria plantaginifolia can get up to 12 inches tall, but is usually shorter, between 3 and 6 inches.

Pussytoes is a host plant to the Painted Lady butterfly (see photo above) and the Everlasting Tebenna Moth, among a few others. The foliage is usually avoided by mammalian herbivores as it is toxic. Also called Woman’s Tobacco and Plaintain-Leaved Pussytoes, the latter which is referenced by the species epithet.

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