common name:
Prairie Pussytoes
|
scientific name:
Antennaria
neglecta
Prairie pussytoes (Antennaria neglecta) in early bloom, displaying soft, woolly white flower clusters in the Backyard Farmer Garden, April 2026.
Image Creadit:
Trey Lamkins, Graduate Research Assistant
Prairie pussytoes (Antennaria neglecta) is a low-growing native perennial well adapted to dry, open habitats across the Great Plains. It forms dense, mat-like colonies of silvery foliage, making it an excellent groundcover for sunny, well-drained sites. In spring, it produces small, woolly white flower clusters that resemble the soft texture of a cat’s paw, giving rise to its common name. While the flowers are subtle, they provide early-season interest and ecological value.
Charecteristics
Plant type:
Herbaceous perennial
Hardiness Zones:
3, 4b, 5a, 5b, 6a, 7, 8, 9
Light Needs:
Full Sun
Water Needs:
Dry
Space Requirements:
Less than 12 inches
Height Requirements:
Less than 2 feet
Spread Requirements:
1–2 feet
Bloom Color:
White
Bloom Time:
Spring
Leaf Color:
Grey/Silver
Companion Plant Tolerance:
Drought
Uses:
Ground Cover
Varieties