Native Plant of the Week: Field Pussytoes ~ Antennaria neglecta

Field Pussytoes ~ Antennaria neglecta


Field Pussytoes is a common native in the midwest and Great Lakes region. Found growing in lawns, roadsides and prairies in dry, well drained soils.

This is an under appreciated native, it could be utilized more on the edges of perennial plantings as it spreads by stolons and forms a nice mat. It also tolerates compacted soils.

The flower stalks arise from the gray, hairy basal leaves in April. If you have a sunny, dry and sandy site in your landscape give this native a try.

The flowerheads resemble cat's paws (Pussy Toes) and are comprised of densely packed white bracts.

Field Pussytoes is another larval host plant for the American Lady butterfly. Look for leaves that have been rolled together. Caterpillars will feed inside this shelter.

Field Pussytoes is native to central and eastern North America. See map below for range.

Kartesz, J.T., The Biota of North America Program (BONAP).
2011. North American Plant Atlas. Chapel Hill, N.C.