Antennaria dioica aka Cat's Foot

Taxonomy

Antennaria dioica, also known as mountain everlasting, stoloniferous pussytoes, catsfoot, or cudweed, is a perennial herbaceous plant found in cool northern and mountainous regions of Europe, northern Asia, and Alaska. It forms a small mat and grows up to 10-20 cm tall. The plant has silvery-white, spoon-shaped leaves that are greener on the upper surface. In late spring and early summer, it produces fluffy pink flower-heads clustered on short, upright stems. These flower-heads are 6-12 mm in diameter and consist of pale pink ray florets and darker pink disc florets. Antennaria dioica is a unique and beautiful addition to any garden or natural landscape.

Common names

Cat's Foot, Pussytoes, Gemeines Katzenpftchen, Stoloniferous Pussytoes, Kattelabb

How to care for Cat's Foot

Difficulty

If you're looking for a plant that offers a moderate level of challenge, Cat's Foot is a great choice to test your gardening skills.

Water

Cat's Foot should be watered regularly, allowing the soil to dry out between waterings.

Soil

Cat's Foot loves a well-draining soil. Perlite and vermiculite help with drainage, while coco coir adds organic matter, so a good potting soil mix will have all three. You can improve store-bought soil by adding some perlite to it.

Lighting

Cat's Foot requires abundant, bright, and direct light to thrive. The best placement for this plant is within one foot of a window to ensure it receives enough light. If you live in an area with more extreme weather, such as hot summers or cold winters, you may need to adjust the placement of the plant accordingly. During hot summer months, it is important to place the plant away from full sun, as this can cause the leaves to yellow or burn. During cold winter months, it is best to move the plant closer to the window to take advantage of the extra light that can help it survive. By keeping an eye on the current weather in your area, you can make sure your Kattelabb is always in the right place to thrive.

Toxicity

There is no verified data on the toxicity of this plant in the records of Ploi. If any person, including yourself, a family member, or a pet, consume plant material with an uncertain toxicity level, it is advisable to seek the advice of a healthcare expert.

Fertilizer

The Cat's Foot is characterized by its slow growth and doesn't need fertilization in addition to its potting soil. By renewing the soil in its pot once a year, it should have enough nutrition. Remember, plants get their energy from sunlight, not from any fertilizers.

Growth-pattern

Clumping is a defining characteristic of the Cat's Foot, with new growth appearing from the soil surrounding the primary plant.

Region of origin

Cat's Foot’s native range is Northern and central Europe, including Britain, to Siberia and W. Asia.


More info:
Wikipedia