Antennaria plantaginifolia is a charming native ground cover commonly known as Pussytoes, named for its fuzzy white flower clusters that resemble a kitten’s paw behind woolly silver green basal leaves. Its low profile and drought tolerance make it ideal for naturalized plantings and erosion control on slopes.
Height & Spread: 4 - 8 in x 12 - 18 in
Bloom Time: Spring
Light Requirements: Full sun to part sun
Soil Preference: Dry, well drained, rocky or sandy soils
Watering Needs: Low; highly drought tolerant once established
Deer Resistance: Avoided by deer due to its fuzzy, bitter foliage
Native Status
This species is native to eastern and central North America, commonly found in dry woodlands, rocky glades, and open prairies.
WILDLIFE & INSECTS
Butterflies
- Host plant for species such as American Painted Lady, whose caterpillars feed on the foliage.
Bees
- Visited by small native bees and solitary bees gathering early spring pollen from its dense white flower heads.
Beneficial Insects
- The dense foliage and dry habitat support predatory beetles and ground nesting wasps that help manage garden pests.
Spacing & Landscape Use
Spacing Recommendations
- Space 12 - 18 in apart for cohesive ground coverage in dry sites or between stones in pathways.
Landscape Placement
- Ideal for dry meadows, slopes, open woods, and as a ground cover in native and xeric gardens. Excellent in rock gardens and along sunny edges where soil is poor or erosion is a concern.
Companion Plants
- Schizachyrium scoparium (Little Bluestem) - Adds upright contrast and fall color to open dry landscapes.
- Coreopsis lanceolata (Lanceleaf Coreopsis) - Provides bright yellow blooms above Pussytoes’ silvery mat.
- Penstemon hirsutus (Hairy Beardtongue) - Offers tubular pale blooms in spring and thrives in similar soil conditions.
- Erigeron pulchellus (Robins Plantain) - Adds a similar low growing form with early daisy like flowers.
- Opuntia humifusa (Eastern Prickly Pear) - Pairs well in rocky, sunny sites with vibrant cactus flowers and minimal water needs.