Photo of Antennaria plantaginifolia

Antennaria plantaginifolia

Pussytoes

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Pussytoes is grown for its basal rosette of soft velvety leaves. Small bees and flies pollinate the small white spring blooming flowers.

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Description:

Pussytoes is typically grown for its basal rosette of soft velvety leaves. A central stem bears the inflorescence – a cluster of 3-6 either all male (staminate) or all female (pistillate) white to pale-pink flowers. The closed buds resemble toes of a cat, by which the plant is named.  The flower stalks will grow to about a foot in height. The flowers bloom in late spring, from April-June, lasting 2-3 weeks. Pussytoes prefers full sun to partial shade, and average to dry conditions. Soil can be sandy, rocky or loamy. The plants are pollinated both by wind and by insects. Spreading by rhizomes, Pussytoes provide a good ground cover for dry areas and rock gardens. Deer and rabbits may be deterred by the poisonous properties of the plant. Grow as a groundcover, in a rock garden, or along the edges of your flowerbeds and woodland edges.

Wildlife Value: Caterpillar larvae of the American Painted Lady (Vanessa virginensis) depend on the plant as a food source. Pollinators include small bees such as Andrenid, Halictid and cuckoo bees, as well as Syrphid, Muscid, flesh and blow flies. Bobwhite Quail feed on the seeds, to a limited extent.

Plant Details:

Other Common Names: Woman's Tobacco

Plant Type: Flower, Perennial, Groundcover

New Jersey Native: Yes

Bloom Times: Late Spring to Early Summer

Bloom Colors: White

Deer Resistance: Some

Attracts Pollinators and Wildlife: Bees and Other Pollinators, Butterflies, Birds

Salt Tolerance: Unknown

Hardiness Zone: 6a, 6b, 7a, 7b

Physiographic Region: All Regions in NJ

Soil Characteristics

Soil Type: Sandy

Soil Moisture: Dry

Soil pH: Acidic, Slightly Acidic

Light Needs of Plant

Optimal Light: Full Sun

Light Range: Full Sun, Partial Shade

Water Needs of Plant

Soil Moisture: Dry

Drought Tolerance: High

Size and Growth Rate

Height: 0.5 - 1 ft

Spread: .25 - .5 ft

Growth Rate: Slow