Antennaria parlinii aka Plain Leaf Pussytoes

Antennaria parlinii is a low perennial in the aster family, Asteraceae. Its common names include pussytoes and ladies' tobacco. It comes from eastern and central North America. Its native range spans parts of Canada and the United States. It is not native to Britain or Ireland. This herbaceous plant forms mats rather than a tall clump. It spreads by stolons and can cover small patches of ground.

Plants reach about 1 foot (0.3 metres) tall. Their spread reaches about 1.5 feet (0.46 metres). The leaves form a basal rosette close to the soil. Each paddle-shaped leaf can reach 0.25 feet (0.076 metres) long. Woolly hairs give the leaves and flower stalks a gray cast. Small leaves also grow along the downy flower stems. The low foliage and raised flower stems give distinct layers. Its spreading form suits spaces where a low cover is needed.

White flower heads appear from April through June. They look fuzzy rather than bold or large. The heads gather in corymbs at the stem tips. Flower stems rise to about 0.83 feet (0.25 metres). Male and female flowers grow on separate plants. Male flowers have yellow stamens. The blooms attract butterflies and add spring interest above the foliage. Their pale color stands against the gray leaves.

Grow this plant in full sun or part shade. It also grows well in dry shade. Give it lean soil with grit or stones and good drainage. Dry to moderately moist soil suits it. Rich soil with much humus does not suit it. Poor drainage makes those conditions worse. It tolerates drought, dry ground, and shallow, rocky soil. Its listed hardiness range is USDA zones 5–9. Meeting its soil needs matters more than routine upkeep.

Use it as ground cover in small rock gardens. It also suits rocky slopes, open woodland, and prairie plantings. Lean, stony parts of a garden offer useful planting sites. In suitable conditions, its stolons spread into a mat. Routine maintenance is low once the site meets its needs. Yet unsuitable soil can make this a difficult garden plant. No serious insect or disease problems are reported. The supplied sources do not establish edible uses or toxicity.