SafePlants

Fries' Pussytoes (Antennaria friesiana)

Antennaria friesiana, commonly known as Fries' pussytoes, is a forb/herb belonging to the Asteraceae family. Other common names include catsfoot or cat's-foot, pussytoes and everlasting.

Taxonomy and Nomenclature

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

Distribution and Habitat

• Antennaria friesiana is found in North America, including regions like Alaska, Alberta (Canada), and the Arctic.
• It also occurs in eastern Asia and temperate southern South America, though the highest species diversity is in North America.
• One observation notes it growing on the crest of Camp Ridge in Denali National Park and Preserve.

Morphological Characteristics

• Fries' pussytoes is described as a non-woody forb/herb.
• It can develop like a shrub, growing into a round-shaped form.
• In the summer, the plant may assume a white coloring.
• The plant has a compact inflorescence.

Interactions with Other Organisms

• The text mentions "male colonies and female," indicating that the plant exhibits dioecy, meaning that individual plants are either male or female.

Further Information

• Discover Life offers a page about the biology, natural history, ecology, identification, and distribution of Antennaria friesiana.
• Dave's Garden is a community where people share tips and ideas for gardens, along with seeds and plants.