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Pussytoes Seeds (Antennaria plantaginifolia) - Native Wildflower

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Antennaria plantaginifolia, commonly known as pussytoes or plantain-leaved pussytoes, is a low-growing perennial wildflower native to much of eastern and central North America. It forms dense mats of silvery-green, woolly basal leaves that resemble those of a plantain, giving it both drought tolerance and an attractive groundcover quality. In spring, it sends up short, leafless stems topped with clusters of small, fuzzy white flower heads that resemble tiny cat paws—hence the name “pussytoes.” This hardy plant thrives in dry, sandy, or rocky soils with full sun to partial shade, making it well-suited for meadows, open woods, and naturalized gardens. In addition to its ornamental value, Antennaria plantaginifolia supports biodiversity by providing nectar for pollinators and serving as a host plant for the American Lady butterfly (Vanessa virginiensis). Its adaptability, subtle beauty, and ecological benefits make it a valuable addition to native plant landscapes.

Height 4–8 inches (foliage); flower stalks to 12–18 inches
Light requirements Full Sun 6+ hours of direct sunlight daily Part Sun 3-6 hours of direct sunlight daily Part Shade 3-6 hours of direct sunlight daily Shade Under 4 hours of direct sunlight daily Full Shade 0-3 hours of sunlight daily, preferably morning sun. Can be filtered (dappled) light to deep shade Dappled Light Soft, shifting pattern of sunlight and shade when sunlight filters through the leaves Full Sun (tolerates partial shade)
Water Low (very drought tolerant once established)
Bloom Time Spring
Stratification Beneficial (30–60 days cold-moist stratification)
Soil Dry, sandy, or rocky; well-drained
Attracts Butterflies (American Lady host plant)

Site Selection


  • Light: Prefers full sun but will tolerate partial shade. At least 6 hours of direct sunlight is ideal for best flowering.

  • Soil: Thrives in dry, sandy, or rocky soils with good drainage. Avoid heavy clay or consistently wet soils.

  • Setting: Naturally found in meadows, open woods, prairies, and dry slopes.

Sowing Outdoors


  • Best Time: Late fall (for natural stratification) or early spring after danger of frost has passed.

  • Soil Preparation: Loosen the soil to create a fine seedbed; remove weeds and debris.

  • Seeding Depth: Surface sow the seeds – they require light for germination. Do not bury them; simply press them gently into the soil.

  • Spacing: Scatter seeds lightly or plant 12–18 inches apart if using plugs or transplants.

  • Watering: Water lightly after sowing. Keep soil slightly moist until germination, then allow it to dry out between waterings. Overwatering can cause rot.

Starting Indoors


  • When: 6–8 weeks before last frost date.

  • Stratification: A cold, moist stratification for about 30–60 days can improve germination. This can be done by mixing seeds with moist sand or vermiculite and refrigerating them.

  • Seeding: Sow on the surface of sterile seed-starting mix. Press seeds in gently; do not cover with soil.

  • Light: Provide bright light (grow lights or sunny window).

  • Transplanting: Harden off seedlings before planting outside in well-drained soil.

Maintenance & Care


  • Watering: Very drought tolerant once established; only water in prolonged dry periods.

  • Growth Habit: Spreads slowly by stolons, forming a silvery mat-like groundcover.

  • Pruning: Deadhead flower stalks to encourage thicker mats of foliage.


Wildlife Value: Host plant for the American Lady Butterfly (Vanessa virginiensis) caterpillars.

Pussytoes (Antennaria plantaginifolia) - Native Wildflower Seeds - NativeFloraSeeds.org

Antennaria plantaginifolia

Pussytoes

Native Plant Map

Dark Green indicates the plant is native within the state,
yellow rare, the lime green indicates where the plant is native and seen more within a state.

Full BONAP map key Unreported plant (absent for area) Native to North America, present in state, not county Native to North America, present in county Exotic to North America, present in state, not county Exotic to North America, present in county Native to North America, adventive in state, present in county Native to North America, extinct or possibly extinct Native to North America, extirpated or historic, no longer present in that state or county Native to North America, rare in state, present in county Native or exotic to North America, noxious in state, present in county Exotic to North America, eradicated Native or exotic to North America, waif or vanished, found once or rarely but no longer present in state False, unverified, or cultivated reports Questionable presence (cross-hatched) Key as published by BONAP. Most seed pages will only show a few of these colors.

Map Credits BONAP©2026

BONAP native range map for Antennaria plantaginifolia

Frequently asked questions

Why didn't my seeds germinate?

Most of the time, the seeds aren't dead. They're waiting. Many native wildflowers have built-in dormancy that keeps them from sprouting until they've been through a winter. If they skip that cold, moist period, they can sit in the soil and do nothing. Other common causes:

  • Planted too deep. Many native seeds are tiny and need light to germinate. Press them onto the soil surface instead of burying them.
  • The soil dried out. Seeds need steady moisture for the first few weeks after they start to wake up.
  • Not enough time. Some natives sprout within weeks. Others take a full season or longer, and a few come up the following spring.
  • Competition. Weeds and turf grass can crowd out seedlings before you notice them.

If your seeds haven't come up, don't dig up or till the area. Mark the spot, keep the weeds down, and give it another season. Many "failed" plantings fill in the next spring.

When is the best time to plant native seeds?

For most native wildflowers, late fall through early winter is the best time. Sowing then copies what happens in nature: the seeds drop in autumn, go through winter cold and moisture, and sprout when the soil warms in spring. Plant after your first hard frost, so the seeds don't sprout early and get killed by the cold.

If you miss fall, you can still plant in spring. Seeds that need a cold period will do better if you cold stratify them first. Mix them with damp sand or vermiculite, seal them in a labeled bag, and keep them in the refrigerator for 30 to 60 days before sowing. Check each seed's product page or packet QR code for its own instructions, since needs vary by species.

Why aren't my native plants blooming in the first year?

That's normal. Most native perennials put their first year or two into building deep roots, not flowers. Those roots are what make native plants tough, drought-tolerant, and long-lived once they're established. A common rule of thumb is "first year they sleep, second year they creep, third year they leap." Be patient, keep weeds under control, and let the plants settle in. The blooms are worth the wait.

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