Antennaria plantaginifolia
plantain-leaved pussytoes
Overview
Antennaria plantaginifolia is a low, mat-forming perennial growing 4-16 inches (10-40 cm) tall in flower but only 1-3 inches (2.5-7.5 cm) tall in leaf. It spreads by stolons into colonies of flat basal rosettes. The broad, spoon- to plantain-shaped leaves are 1-3 inches (2.5-7.5 cm) long with three to five veins, green and nearly smooth above and white-woolly beneath. In spring, woolly flowering stalks rise above the rosettes carrying clusters of small, fuzzy white to pale flower heads that suggest a cat's paw. Male and female heads grow on separate plants, with female colonies setting wind-borne seed on tiny tufts. It grows in dry, open woods, fields, rocky slopes, and roadsides on poor, well-drained soil. The low silvery mats persist through the year and tolerate foot traffic and drought. Its spread is slow, and the small flowers fade within a few weeks.
Native Range
Antennaria plantaginifolia is native to eastern and central North America, from Quebec and Ontario south to Florida and Texas. It grows in dry, open woodlands, clearings, old fields, and rocky slopes on poor, acidic to neutral soils.Suggested Uses
Planted as a drought-tolerant groundcover in rock gardens, dry slopes, and the gaps between paving stones. It suits native and pollinator plantings on poor soil. The plant is a larval host for American lady butterflies and supplies early nectar.How to Identify
Appearance
Size & Dimensions
Height4" - 1'4"
Width/Spread1' - 2'
Reaches mature size in approximately 2 years
Bloom Information
Fuzzy white flower heads open in spring, generally April to May, on upright woolly stalks above the foliage. Male and female heads form on separate plants, and only female colonies set seed. Bloom lasts two to four weeks before the stalks wither.
Detailed Descriptions
Foliage Description
green above, silver-white beneathGrowing Conditions
Sun Requirements
Requires 4-10 hours of direct sunlight daily
• Full Sun: 6+ hours of direct sunlight
• Partial Shade: 3-6 hours of direct sunlight
• Full Shade: Less than 3 hours of direct sunlight
Care & Maintenance
Care Guide
Grow Antennaria plantaginifolia in full sun to part shade in dry, poor, well-drained soil with a pH from 5.0 to 7.0. It tolerates drought, heat, and thin rocky ground, while rich or wet soil causes the mats to rot or grow loose and open. The plant spreads slowly by stolons to form a low groundcover and needs little care once placed. It withstands light foot traffic and is used between stepping stones. Division of rooted rosettes in spring or autumn renews thin patches. No feeding is needed in lean soil.Pruning
No pruning is required. Spent flower stalks can be sheared off after bloom to tidy the mats. Thinning crowded rosettes keeps the colony low and dense.Container Growing
✓ Suitable for container growing
Minimum container size: 1 gallons