SafePlants

Fries' Pussytoes (Antennaria friesiana)

Considerations for Pets

• The common names "catsfoot" or "cat's-foot," and "pussytoes" might attract the attention of cats.

Considerations for Children

• The common names "catsfoot" or "cat's-foot," and "pussytoes" might attract the attention of young children.

Antennaria friesiana, commonly known as Fries' pussytoes, is a forb/herb belonging to the Asteraceae family.

Taxonomy and Nomenclature

• Scientific Name: Antennaria friesiana (Trautv.) Ekman
• Family: Asteraceae (Aster or Daisy family)
• Rank: Species
• Subspecies:
  • Antennaria friesiana subsp. alaskana (Malte) Hultén
  • Antennaria friesiana subsp. friesiana (Trautv.) Ekman
  • Antennaria friesiana subsp. neoalaskana
• Synonyms:
  • Antennaria alpina (L.) Gaertn. (as referenced in relation to Antennaria friesiana subsp. friesiana)
  • Antennaria friesiana var. friesiana
• Alternative Scientific Name: Antennaria frieseana

Common Names

• Fries' pussytoes
• Catsfoot or cat's-foot
• Pussytoes (general term for Antennaria species)
• Everlasting
• Alaska pussytoes (for Antennaria friesiana ssp. alaskana)

Distribution and Habitat

• Found in North America (including Alaska, Alberta and British Columbia) and temperate southern South America.
• Grows in alpine regions, such as the crest of Camp Ridge in Denali National Park and Preserve.

Morphological Characteristics

• Fries' pussytoes develops like a shrub, growing into a round-shaped form.
• The plant assumes a white coloring in the summer.

Interesting Facts

• Antennaria species are known to form male and female colonies.

Further Information

• Dave's Garden (online community)
• Discover Life (website with information on biology, natural history, ecology, identification, and distribution)
• Flora of North America, Vol. 19
• Plant database