Antennaria neglecta

Pussytoes Description:

Antennaria neglecta, also known as field pussytoes or neglected pussytoes, is a small, herbaceous plant species that belongs to the family Asteraceae. It is native to North America and can be found in many regions of the United States and Canada.

The plant typically grows to a height of 10-30 cm and has a basal rosette of leaves that are covered with dense, woolly hairs. The leaves are spoon-shaped, about 2-6 cm long and 0.5-2 cm wide. The stems are thin and also covered with woolly hairs.

Antennaria neglecta produces clusters of small, white or pinkish flowers that bloom in late spring to early summer. The flowers are inconspicuous, with no petals and only a few small, scale-like bracts surrounding the base of the flower head. The male and female flowers are found on separate plants.

This plant prefers to grow in open areas with well-drained soil, such as fields, meadows, and prairies. It can tolerate a range of soil types, from sandy to clay, and is drought-tolerant once established. Antennaria neglecta is often used in wildflower gardens and can be attractive to butterflies and other pollinators.

Native Range:

The native range of pussytoes is concentrated in the Midwestern and Northeastern portions of the United Sates. The range can be as far reaching as western Montana and as far south as Arkansas.

Standard Plant Information:

Plant Height: 4" - 16"

Bloom Time: April - June

Preferred Habitat: Does well in part shade to full sun. Often found in prairies, savannas, and open woodlands.

Sowing:

For most homeowners, the best option is to scatter seed on the ground by hand broadcasting at a minimum of 16-64 pls ounces per acre. For even coverage, we recommend that you broadcast seed in perpendicular rows across the site to ensure even coverage.

You’ll want to broadcast any grass seed first, which will get raked into the soil lightly. Next, it is ideal to mulch the area lightly with either a clean (no seed) straw or preferably with our native Little Bluestem straw, sold at our retail garden centers. After a light mulching is complete, now it’s time to broadcast your native wildflower seeds, which should not be raked into the soil. A good rain or watering is sufficient to cover the seed.

Planting:

Simply dig a hole in the soil slightly larger than the plant’s roots. Ensure that the soil line of the plant is maintained during the transfer (i.e. the plant should be at the same level with the ground as it was in the pot). Pack any loose dirt back around the plant and make sure you water it well the same day to ensure it has the best chance of survival.