Antennaria dioica

Antennaria dioica, or Catsfoot, is an evergreen, herbaceous perennial often viewed as a 4-inch high groundcover (specifically, a dense mat that hugs the ground); however, it does not tolerate heavy foot traffic. In its native environment of Northern Europe, it is typically found in mountain grasslands, dry pastures and woodland edges, usually on calcareous soils. It actually prefers sandy, infertile soil. This plant spreads 8-12 inches and can reach a spread of 2 feet. As an evergreen, it is in leaf year round and flowers in mid to late summer. The plant forms a carpet and roots as it spreads; however, It is slow to spread and requires weeding for at least the first year.

The plant does best in sunny locations on dry or slightly moist, gritty to rocky soil, but can tolerate poor soils as well as drought. Established plants are drought tolerant and require sharp soil drainage. They thrive in cool summers, but not hot and humid summers. The plant is stoloniferous, rooting from creeping stems above the ground.

Diseases, Insect Pests and Other Plant Problems:

Prone to slug damage. Poorly-drained soils lead to root rot. Allergic reactions can occur in those sensitive to rag weed, chrysanthemums, marigolds and daisies.