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pussytoes

Scientific Name: Antennaria

Family: Asteraceae

Category: Dicot

Growth:

Duration:

Other Names:

       

Pussytoes (Antennaria spp.)

Pussytoes are a genus of low-growing perennial plants prized for their attractive foliage and unique flowers. Several species exist within the Antennaria genus, each exhibiting slightly different characteristics.

Considerations for Pets and Children

  • Some species have woolly or hairy leaves and flower heads.
  • Dried male flowers can persist on the plants for several months.
  • Pussytoes spreads via stolons, or horizontal stems.

Common Names

  • Pussytoes
  • Cat's-foot or Catsfoot
  • Everlasting
  • Woman-tobacco

Taxonomy and Nomenclature

  • Genus: Antennaria
  • Family: Asteraceae (formerly Compositae), subfamily Asteroideae (Daisy Family)
  • Synonyms:
    • Gnaphalium dioica (for Antennaria dioica)
    • Antennaria villifera (for Antennaria lanata)
  • Examples of Species:
    • Antennaria lanata (Woolly Pussytoes)
    • Antennaria neglecta (Field Pussytoes)
    • Antennaria parvifolia (Small-Leaf Pussytoes)
    • Antennaria plantaginifolia (Plantain-leaved Pussytoes)
    • Antennaria parlinii
    • Antennaria marginata (Whitemargin Pussytoes)
    • Antennaria dioica

Distribution and Habitat

  • Pussytoes are native to North America, with various species found across the continent, particularly in the eastern half and in Minnesota.
  • They thrive in hot, rocky, dry locations, poor soil, dappled woodland areas, prairies and even dry shaded areas..
  • Field Pussytoes are native to the East coast.
  • They can be found in both unplowed and seeded portions of prairies.

Morphological Characteristics and Growth Habits

  • Antennaria species typically reach between 10 cm and 50 cm in height, but some species remain shorter, around 6 inches.
  • They form low-growing rosettes of long gray leaves covered in fine gray hairs.
  • Pussytoes is a perennial evergreen ground cover that forms a low, creeping mat.
  • Flowers resemble tiny cat's feet, hence the name. They are typically gray-white and furry.
  • Female flowers mature and explode in a fluff (pappus hairs) that disperses the seeds.
  • Some species spread via stolons, or horizontal stems.
  • Field Pussytoes has spatulate or oblong basal leaves.

Ecological Role

  • Pussytoes grows well in dry and shaded areas and is an indicator of acidic soil.
  • The flowers attract pollinators.
  • The dense foliage makes an excellent ground cover.

Quirky Facts

  • In some species, male flower heads are rare or even unknown, with female flower heads producing seeds without pollination.
  • Some species are cultivated for their dried flower heads, which are used as "everlastings."
  • One source mentions purchasing "Herbs with Cattitude" along with Pussytoes, suggesting a whimsical association.

Further Information

  • HowStuffWorks provides information on growing, propagating, and using pussytoes.
  • Dave's Garden offers tips and ideas for gardens.
  • Monrovia provides details and information on Pink Pussy-toes.
  • Amazon.com sells PUSSYTOES (Womans Tobacco) Antennaria Plantaginifolia Flower Seeds.
  • Wikipedia has an article on Antennaria.