Field Pussytoes

Field Pussytoes

Antennaria neglecta

A charming low-growing native wildflower that forms soft mats of silvery-green foliage across sunny open ground. In spring, small upright stems rise above the leaves bearing clusters of fuzzy white flower heads that resemble tiny cat’s paws, giving the plant its common name.

Field Pussytoes spreads slowly to form attractive groundcover, making it ideal for naturalizing in dry meadows, prairie plantings, and sunny rock gardens.

A Tough Prairie Groundcover

Field Pussytoes is well adapted to dry, sandy, and rocky soils where many plants struggle. Its low growth habit helps protect the soil from erosion while creating habitat for beneficial insects.

Because it tolerates drought and poor soils, it is an excellent choice for natural landscapes, native lawns, and ecological restoration projects.

A Plant of Prairies and Open Fields

Field Pussytoes grows naturally in prairies, open meadows, sandy fields, and dry slopes. It thrives in full sun and spreads through creeping stolons, gradually forming soft colonies that blend beautifully with native grasses and other prairie wildflowers.

Its subtle beauty and resilience make it a valuable addition to pollinator habitats and low-growing native plant communities.

Growing Information

Height: 4–8 inches

Spread: 12–24 inches (forming colonies)

Light: Full sun

Soil: Dry to average, sandy or well-drained soils

Hardiness: Zone 3–8

Growth Rate: Moderate spreading groundcover

Best planted in prairie gardens, dry meadows, rock gardens, and naturalized landscapes.

Ecological Importance

Field Pussytoes:

Provides early-season nectar for small native bees

Forms groundcover that stabilizes dry soils

Supports beneficial insects in prairie ecosystems

Adds diversity to native meadow habitats

Larval host for
• American Lady Butterfly (Vanessa virginiensis)

Associated Prairie & Meadow Species

Common companions in natural prairie plant communities include:

• Little Bluestem (Schizachyrium scoparium)
• Butterfly MilkWeed (Asclepias tuberosa)
• Black-eyed Susan (Rudbeckia hirta)
• Prairie Smoke (Geum triflorum)
• Smooth Blue Aster (Symphyotrichum laeve)

Planting these species together helps recreate resilient prairie ecosystems that support pollinators, birds, and beneficial insects.

Planting to Protect
Restoring to Thrive 🌱
Origin Native Plants 🌱

3.5 inch Pots 🌱