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Cressler, Alan
Antennaria plantaginifolia
Antennaria plantaginifolia (L.) Richardson
Woman's Tobacco, Ladies' Tobacco, Everlasting, Mouse Ear, Plantain-leaf Pussytoes
Asteraceae (Aster Family)
Synonym(s): Antennaria caroliniana, Antennaria decipiens, Antennaria denikeana, Antennaria nemoralis, Antennaria petiolata, Antennaria pinetorum, Antennaria plantaginifolia var. petiolata, Gnaphalium plantaginifolium
USDA Symbol: ANPL
USDA Native Status: L48 (N)
A low, colony-forming plant, spreading by runners, with basal leaves and erect stems, each bearing a terminal cluster of fuzzy, rayless flower heads.
The crowded flower heads are thought to resemble a cat's paw, hence the common name. Male and the showier female flowers are on different plants. In some species of pussytoes the male flower heads are rare, even unknown, the female flower heads producing seeds without pollination. Most of our many species of Antennaria are difficult to identify, but Plantain-leaf Pussytoes is not a problem, nor is the similar-leaved Single-head Pussytoes (A. solitaria), found from Pennsylvania west to Illinois and south to the Gulf of Mexico; as its common name indicates, each stem bears a single flower head.
Plant Characteristics
Duration: PerennialHabit: Herb
Leaf Retention: Evergreen
Size Notes: Up to about 10 inches tall in bloom. Foliage up to about 2 inches high.
Leaf: Silvery green
Flower: Flowers in 1/4 inch clusters.
Fruit: Fruit is a cypsela (pl. cypselae). Though technically incorrect, the fruit is often referred to as an achene.
Bloom Information
Bloom Color: WhiteBloom Time: Mar , Apr , May , Jun
Bloom Notes: Male flowers pure white. Female flowers white tinged with pink.
Distribution
USA: AL , AR , CT , DC , DE , FL , GA , IA , IL , IN , KY , LA , MA , MD , ME , MN , MO , MS , NC , NH , NJ , NY , OH , PA , RI , SC , TN , VA , VT , WI , WVNative Distribution: Quebec and Maine south to Florida, west to Louisiana, and north to Minnesota. Zones 4 to 8.
Native Habitat: Dry open woodlands, meadows, and rocky places.
Growing Conditions
Water Use: LowLight Requirement: Sun , Part Shade
Soil Moisture: Dry
Soil pH: Acidic (pH<6.8)
Drought Tolerance: High
Soil Description: Dry, acidic, sandy or rocky, poor soils
Conditions Comments: Prefers dry woodlands with light, dappled shade
Benefit
Use Ornamental: Groundcover for dryish eastern woodland landscapes in light shade.Use Wildlife: Winter deer browse
Conspicuous Flowers: yes
Interesting Foliage: yes
Deer Resistant: No
Value to Beneficial Insects
Supports Conservation Biological ControlThis information was provided by the Pollinator Program at The Xerces Society for Invertebrate Conservation.
Propagation
Propagation Material: Root DivisionMaintenance: Cut seedheads for neatness.
Find Seed or Plants
Find seed sources for this species at the Native Seed Network.
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Host plants for American Painted Lady larvae in Ohio
June 25, 2009
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From the National Organizations Directory
According to the species list provided by Affiliate Organizations, this plant is on display at the following locations:Natural Biodiversity - Johnstown, PA
Native Seed Network - Corvallis, OR
Bibliography
Bibref 1620 - Gardening with Native Plants of the South (Reprint Edition) (2009) Wasowski, S. with A. WasowskiSearch More Titles in Bibliography
Additional resources
USDA: Find Antennaria plantaginifolia in USDA PlantsFNA: Find Antennaria plantaginifolia in the Flora of North America (if available)
Google: Search Google for Antennaria plantaginifolia
Metadata
Record Modified: 2013-09-09Research By: TWC Staff