Virginia ecotype
Duration: Perennial
Habit: Low, naturalizing, stoloniferous, spreadingSize: 3 inches to under 1 ft. high
Flowering time: Apr, May
Bloom color: Cream white
Habitat: Prairies, meadows, dry open woods, bluffs, hillsidesMoisture: Dry to average, well-draining
Light: Full sun, part sun, shadeSoils: Clay, loamy, sandy, rocky
Uses: groundcover for dry areas, xeric/rock gardens, containers, filler, front of border, replacement for non-native ajuga
Antennaria plantaginifolia (Plantainleaf pussytoes)
Antennaria plantaginifolia occur naturally in dry and well draining areas, often along steep rocky and dense clay typography such as bluffs and hillsides. It laces the ground around taller plants in grasslands and prairies and woodland openings. It can be planted underneath just about anything that tolerates sun to shade, rocky or clay soils and drought.
This genus' common name "pussytoes” refers to the small, white bloom’s resemblance to cat paws. This perennial is an early bloomer in April and May, attracting small bees and native flies. Species of this genus are dioecious, with solitary plants bearing either male or female flowers. Wind-dispersed seeds are carried off around summertime, and plants act as a natural groundcover for the rest of the season.
Highly adaptable to many conditions, including medium to dry soil and full sun to deep shade, this plant makes a great low growing species for difficult areas. It spreads by 6 inches or less per year by stolons to form a colony to carpet the ground.
Antennaria's silvery downy foliage is host to the American Painted Lady (Vanessa virginiensis) butterfly larvae, and several species of flies and moths. Some upland gamebirds like the Ruffed grouse and Bobwhite quail are known to browse on the foliage or seeds.