Antennaria plantaginifolia (Plantain Pussytoes)
$8.00
Out of stock
Size: 4-6” tall / 1-2’ wide
Sun: Full Sun to Part Shade
Soil: Lean, Dry - Medium, Well-Drained
Bloom Time: Mid- to Late Spring, Semi-evergreen
Deer Resistance: 5/5
Ecotype: Pennsylvania
Antennaria plantaginifolia gets the common name "pussytoes" from its flowers. In the spring, this short perennial sends up fuzzy white flowers that resemble cat paws! However, this plant is attractive throughout the year, with semi-evergreen dusty green leaves that create an attractive ground cover. It is happiest in dry, full sun sites with well-drained soils. It happily mingles with other shorter perennials, but larger, broad-leaved perennials have the potential of shading it out. I have mine growing in the dry, compacted soil between some stepping stones, and it performs well.
The flowers attract small bees and flies, and the American Painted Lady butterfly uses Plantain Pussytoes as a larval host plant. The caterpillars will eat and wrap themselves in the leaves to pupate, but the plants easily and quickly recover. Due to the short stature and fuzzy leaves, it is rarely bothered by rabbits or deer.