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pearly pussytoes

Scientific Name: Antennaria anaphaloides

Family: Asteraceae

Category: Dicot

Growth: Forb/herb

Duration: Perennial

Other Names:

       

Pearly Pussytoes (Antennaria anaphaloides)

Antennaria anaphaloides, commonly known as pearly pussytoes, is a forb/herb belonging to the Aster family (Asteraceae). Other common names include catsfoot, cat's-foot, pussytoes, and everlasting.

Considerations for Pets

  • Pearly pussytoes has pubescent (fuzzy) leaves.
  • The plant has dark brown rhizomes and a branched woody base.

Taxonomy and Nomenclature

  • Scientific Name: Antennaria anaphaloides Rydb.
  • Family: Asteraceae (Aster family)
  • Common Names: Pearly Pussytoes, Tall Pussytoes, Handsome Pussytoes, Tall Everlasting, Catsfoot, Cat's-foot, Pussytoes, Everlasting.
  • Synonyms: The provided text also mentions other Antennaria species such as Antennaria arcuata Cronq., Antennaria anaphaloides Rydb., and Antennaria howellii subsp. canadensis.

Distribution and Habitat

Pearly pussytoes is native to the west and southwest USA. It thrives in montane and subalpine environments, specifically meadows, openings, and woodlands. It is found in areas like the Colorado Trail above Roaring Fork.

Morphological Characteristics

  • Pearly pussytoes is a perennial forb/herb.
  • The plant typically grows to a height of 20 to 60 cm.
  • It features dark brown rhizomes and a branched woody base.
  • The stems are white-woolly and solitary.

Interactions with Other Organisms

  • Pearly pussytoes serves as a host plant for the American Lady (Vanessa virginiensis) butterfly. The caterpillars favor this plant and pearly everlasting for laying eggs.
  • The flowers are attractive to bees.

Quirky Facts

  • The common name "pussytoes" refers to the flower heads, which have a soft, cat's-paw-like appearance.
  • In Finland, woolly pussytoes grows exclusively on the tundra of roughly 12 large Trekkers in Lapland.