Silvery green basal leaves form a low-growing mat, 2 inches high, overtopped in the spring by white flower clusters that look like compact tufts of hair, evoking a cat’s paw, and reaching 4 to 10 inches in height. Individual plants have male or female flowers, with female flowers followed by wispy seed heads that are eaten by gamebirds. Host plant for larvae of American painted lady butterfly.
Native Plant Database
Header Photo: Mervin Wallace
Prairie Pussytoes
Antennaria neglecta
Plant Type: Herbaceous Perennials
Native Environment: Prairie, Savanna / Woodland
Season of Interest: Mid (May - June), Late (July - frost)
Main Color: White
Fall Color:
USDA PLANTS Range Map
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Photo: Mervin Wallace
Sun Exposure
Full Sun, Medium Sun/Average Shade
Soil
Moisture
Dry, Moderate
Nature Attracting
Butterfly, Pollinators/Beneficial Insects
Wildlife Benefit
Butterfly / Moth Host, Food/Birds, Food/Pollinators
Animal
Resistance
Deer Resistant
Size
Height:
4 to
10
inches
Spread:
6 to
12
inches
Size
Height: 4 to
10
inches
Spread: 6 to
12
inches
Size
Height: 4 to
10
inches
Spread: 6 to
12
inches
Typical Landscape Use
Useful for its silvery foliage when companion-planted in beds or as filler in containers. As a ground cover will completely cover soil. Note: A similar species, Pussytoes (Antennaria parlinii), likes a little more shade.
Establishment and Care Instructions
Plant in well-drained soil. Will spread to create dense mat.
Special Features
Special Usage
Containers, Ground Cover
Basic Description
Where Should I Start?
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Where Can I Find This Plant in Nature?
Learn about the Native Environment(s) inhabited by the plants in this database.