Mountain Everlasting Antennaria dioica

Pussytoes is a semi-evergreen herbaceous perennial in the aster family (Asteraceae).  Native to the temperate northern hemisphere in Eurasia, Great Britain, and the Aleutian Islands.  In its native environment, it is typically found in calcareous grasslands, maritime heath, dune slacks, and rock ledges. The genus name is the Medieval Latin adoption of the Greek word referring to the flower head’s bristle-like hairs resembling an insect horns or antennae.  The specific epithet means the plant has male and female parts.  The common name, pussytoes, refers to the tight flower cluster which looks like a cat’s paws.

The mat-forming ground cover is 4 inch tall and can spread to 18 inches in optimum conditions.  Dislikes hot and humid summers of the deep South.  Grows best in dry soils which are lean, gritty to rocky and well-drained in full sun.  Spreads slowly by stolons. Female flowers on 10” stems and shorter stems with male flowers on separate plants. Propagate by seed or division in the spring.

Tolerant of drought and nutritionally poor soils.

Plant in rocky areas between paving stones, small areas in a rock garden, or on top of stone walls.

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 ragweed, chrysanthemums, marigolds and daisies.