SafePlants

Parlin's Pussytoes (Antennaria parlinii)

Antennaria parlinii, commonly known as Parlin's pussytoes, is a North American flowering plant belonging to the daisy family.

Common Names

• Parlin's pussytoes
• Catsfoot
• Cat's-foot
• Pussytoes
• Everlasting
• Ladies' tobacco

Taxonomy and Nomenclature

• Scientific Name: Antennaria parlinii Fernald
• Family: Asteraceae (Aster family)
• Kingdom: Plantae
• Synonyms:
  • Antennaria parvifolia Nutt. (Small-leaf Pussytoes) - Note: This is listed separately and may not be a true synonym, but related.
• Subspecies:
  • Antennaria parlinii subsp. parlinii
  • Antennaria parlinii subsp. fallax

Distribution and Habitat

Antennaria parlinii is widespread across North America.

Morphology and Growth Habits

• It is one of the first flowers to bloom in the spring and then becomes a ground cover for the rest of the year.
• Plants are dioecious or gynoecious.
• Plants typically grow to be 12–35(–45) cm tall.
• Stems are erect, simple, and tomentose (covered in dense, matted hairs).
• Leaves are mostly basal, with cauline (stem) leaves much-reduced and alternate.
• Basal leaves have a blade that is spatulate to ovate or elliptic.
• Small plant with oblong basal leaves that are hairy underneath.
• Single hairy, erect stem with lance-shaped hairy leaves.
• It presents a cluster of flowers.
• A forb/herb (a non-woody plant that is not a grass).
• Perennial plant.

Interactions with Other Organisms

• Pussytoes is the host plant of the Painted Lady butterfly.

Quirky Facts

• Parlin's pussytoes was named for John Crawford Parlin (1863-1948), a botanist from Maine who discovered the species.

Further Information

• Discover Life: Provides information about the biology, natural history, ecology, identification, and distribution of Antennaria parlinii.
• USDA-NRCS PLANTS Database