Antennaria plantaginifolia aka Plantain Leaved Pussytoes

Antennaria plantaginifolia is a low plant in the aster family. It is a perennial, which means it lives for years. Its names include pussytoes and plantain-leaved everlasting. Its native range spans central and eastern Canada. It extends into the north-central and eastern United States. It grows on dry slopes, rocky ground, prairies, and glades. The broad leaves at its base give it the plantain name.

The plant forms low mats with creeping stems called stolons. These root near the parent plant and spread the patch. Garden height ranges from about 0.3–1 foot [0.1–0.3 metres]. Flower stalks can reach about 0.8 feet [0.25 metres]. Plants spread about 1–2 feet [0.3–0.6 metres] across. Broad, paddle-shaped leaves form a basal rosette, a ring at ground level. Each leaf has smooth edges and three to five clear veins. Thick hairs coat the leaf undersides and upright flower stems. Small leaves clasp the stems above the rosette. The gray-green leaves at the base last through part of winter.

Flowers appear from April to June, with timing set by place. Small heads form clusters called corymbs at the stem tips. Each plant bears either male or female flowers. Hairy green bracts, or leaf-like parts, ring the flower heads. These heads hold tiny flowers shaped like tubes. The blooms look white, at times with a pink tint. Female heads have many fine, white styles, parts of the flower. Male heads have brown stamens among the white flowers. The fruits, called achenes, are brown with pale dots. They also have tufts of white hair. Wind carries these fruits away from the plant. The flower stem dies back in summer, leaving the basal leaves.

The plant grows best in full sun but accepts part shade. It grows in USDA zones 3–8. Give it lean, rocky or sandy soil that drains well. Acid to neutral soil suits it. It copes with drought and dry ground, even shallow rocky sites. It does best in dry to somewhat moist ground. Poor drainage can cause trouble. Rich soil with much organic matter can cause trouble too. It needs little care when the site meets these needs. It grows at a medium rate. You can grow more plants by dividing it.

Use pussytoes along border edges or as a small ground cover. It also suits rock gardens, open woods, and prairie plantings. Its soft gray leaves give it much of its garden appeal. You can use the flowers in dried arrangements. It draws pollinators and hosts American Lady butterfly larvae. Sources report no major pest or disease problems. Older basal leaves may lose color and wither. Past accounts note that children chewed it in place of tobacco. That use does not prove its food value or safety.