Pussytoes (Antennaria plantaginifolia)

A member of the Aster family, Pussytoes are found across much of the eastern half of the continental United States: from Minnesota south to Texas, east to Florida and north to Maine. Other common names in use include Woman's Tobacco and Plantain-leaved Pussytoes.

Pussytoes are usually grown for their velvety leaves rather than the white to pale pink flower. The late spring flowers look like tiny cat's feet, thus the name. These flowers will reach up to about a foot in height, but the leaves grow at ground level. Spreading by stolons,

Pussytoes provide a good ground cover for dry areas such as rock gardens. Parts of the plant are poisonous so deer and rabbits and other small animals won't touch them. Larvae host for the American Painted Lady (Vanessa virginensis).

Attracts: 🐛
Light: full to part sun
Soil: dry to medium
Bloom Time: April - June