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singlehead pussytoes
Scientific Name: Antennaria solitaria
Family: Asteraceae
Category: Dicot
Growth: Forb/herb
Duration: Perennial
Other Names: MD (single-headed pussytoes), PA (single-head puss
Antennaria solitaria: Singlehead Pussytoes
Antennaria solitaria, commonly known as Singlehead Pussytoes, is a fascinating herb belonging to the Asteraceae family.
Common Names
- Singlehead Pussytoes
- Catsfoot or Cat's-foot
- Pussytoes
- Everlasting
- Solitary Pussytoes
- Southern Single-head Pussytoes
Taxonomy and Nomenclature
- Scientific Name: Antennaria solitaria
- Family: Asteraceae (also known as Compositae or Daisy family)
- Genus: Antennaria
- Synonyms: Antennaria solitaria Rydb.
- Related Species:
- Antennaria stenophylla (Narrowleaf Singlehead Pussytoes)
- Antennaria monocephala (Pygmy Pussytoes, Onehead Pussytoes)
- Antennaria plantaginifolia (Plantain-leaf Pussytoes)
- Antennaria aromatica (Scented Pussytoes)
- Antennaria anaphaloides (Pearly Pussytoes, Tall Pussytoes, Handsome Pussytoes)
- Antennaria howellii subsp. canadensis (Canada Pussytoes)
- Antennaria rosulata (Kaibab Pussytoes)
Distribution and Habitat
- Native to North America.
- Found in locations such as Tennessee, USA.
- Specific occurrences have been noted in Prince George's Co., Maryland, where it's considered state rare (S2) and listed as threatened.
- Also grows in arctic and alpine regions of North America, including Greenland, Labrador, and Quebec.
Morphological Characteristics and Growth Habits
- Plant form: Herb (specifically a forb/herb, which is a non-woody plant that is not a grass).
- Flower color: White.
- Flower arrangement: Head.
- Leaf type: Simple.
- Growth Habit: Hugs the ground with the "pussy toes" (flower heads) projecting up about 6 inches.
- Dioecious flowers: Male and female flowers are borne on separate plants.
- Often forms colonies.
Ecological Role
- Plantain-leaf Pussytoes and Single-head Pussytoes (A. solitaria) are not considered problematic in the environment where observed.
Interactions with Other Organisms
- Antennaria plantaginifolia (Plantain-leaved pussytoes) is known to be eaten by Vanessa virginiensis (American Lady Butterfly).
Further Information
- Discover Life: Provides a page about the biology, natural history, ecology, identification, and distribution of Antennaria solitaria.
- USDA-NRCS PLANTS Database.
- Wyoming Natural Diversity Database: State Species Abstract.