SafePlants

Antennaria virginica: Shale Barren Pussytoes

Antennaria virginica, commonly known as Shale Barren Pussytoes, is a flowering plant belonging to the daisy family (Asteraceae).

Considerations for Pets

• The plant is low-spreading, forming dense masses, which might be appealing to pets.
• Common names include "catsfoot" or "cat's-foot," indicating a potential texture or appearance that might attract animals.

Considerations for Children

• The plant is low-spreading and forms colonies, which might make it appealing to children.

Taxonomy and Nomenclature

• Scientific Name: Antennaria virginica Stebbins
• Family: Asteraceae (Daisy Family)
• Rank: Species

Common Names

• Shale Barren Pussytoes
• Catsfoot or Cat's-foot
• Pussytoes
• Everlasting

Distribution and Habitat

• Endemic to a limited area of the Appalachians, specifically the shale barrens of eastern West Virginia.
• Found in dry, shaly barrens of the mountains in Ohio, Pennsylvania, Virginia, West Virginia, and Delaware.
• Prefers hot, dry, open areas of steep Devonian shale.

Ecological Role

• Found in Mid-Appalachian Shale Barrens.

Morphological Characteristics and Growth Habits

• A low-spreading, semi-deciduous perennial plant.
• Forms attractive colonies of half-dollar size.
• Tufted perennial growing from tough, elongate rhizomes; often stoloniferous.
• Small sage green leaves.
• Grows in full sun to light shade with poor shaley or sandy soil.

Interesting Facts

• The plant's common name, "pussytoes," is derived from the fuzzy appearance of its flowers.
• It is considered a great groundcover and is known to rock gardeners.

Further Information

• Dave's Garden: a community sharing tips and ideas for gardens, seeds, and plants.
• Garden Guides: for plant information, identification, uses, and gardening.
• Discover Life: For Biology, Natural History, Ecology, Identification and Distribution