Pussytoes (Antennaria dioica)

Pussytoes

Antennaria dioica

Fuzzy silver foliage and tiny button blooms bring delicate groundcover charm. Low-growing perennial; common name: pussytoes.

Full sun
1–2/week
Beginner
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Plant Needs

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Sunlight Full sun to partial shade; thrives in open, unshaded rock gardens or meadows
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Watering Water deeply infrequently; highly drought-tolerant once established
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Temperature Extremely cold-hardy; avoids prolonged temperatures above 25°C to prevent stress
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Characteristics

  • Leaf: Silvery-gray, woolly basal rosettes; narrow, smaller stem leaves
  • Flower: Tiny button-like white or pale pink blooms; male and female flowers on separate plants
  • Stem: Slender, woolly stems with sparse foliage
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Care Guide

Watering

Water only during extended dry spells; avoid overwatering

Fertilization

Optional diluted feed once monthly. No regular fertilization required; use only if soil is severely nutrient-deficient

Eggshell powder topdress:Crush dried eggshells into fine powder; sprinkle lightly on soil surface to improve drainage and add calcium
Pruning
  • Trim spent flower stems after blooming to maintain a tidy mat
  • Thin overcrowded clumps in early spring to improve airflow and new growth
  • Remove dead foliage in late winter to clear space for new basal rosettes
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Toxicity

Warning: this plant may be toxic.

Pets & Humans

Pets: ASPCA: Non-toxic to cats; no adverse effects from ingestion or contact

Humans: No known toxicity to humans; safe for handling and consumption in small amounts

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Garden Uses & Culture

Culture: N/A

Usage: Groundcover, rock garden plant, alpine container specimen