Alpine Pussytoes
Antennaria alpina
- Native to:
- Canada, Finland, Greenland, Labrador, Norway, Russia, Sweden, United States
IdaBokmal
Taxonomy
- Division:
- Magnoliophyta | - Flowering plants
- Family:
- Asteraceae
- Genus:
- Antennaria
- Species:
- Antennaria alpina
- USDA Symbol:
- ANAL4
Growth Characteristics
- Life Cycle:
- Perennial
- Growth Habit:
- Forb/herb
- Height:
- 30 cm
- Light Requirements:
- Full Sun
- Drought Tolerance:
- Medium
- Bloom Months:
- jun,jul,aug
- Bloom Colors:
- white, pink
- Ground Cover:
- Yes
- Lawn Substitute:
- Yes
Wildlife Benefits
- Bees:
- ★☆☆☆☆ Documented bee visitation (GBIF)
- Butterflies & Moths:
- ★☆☆☆☆ Documented Lepidoptera association (GBIF)
Keystone Species Ranking
- Caterpillar Keystone:
- ★☆☆☆☆ Butterfly & moth species supported by this genus (NWF)
Garden & Ecology Notes
- Wildlife Value:
- butterflies, bees
- Deer Resistant:
- Yes
Soil Requirements
- Soil Type:
- rocky, well-drained, nutrient-poor soil
- pH:
- 5.0 - 7.0 (slightly acidic to neutral)
- Drainage:
- excellent drainage required
- Moisture:
- dry to moderate
- Notes:
- thrives in alpine and subalpine regions
Propagation & Germination
- Stratification:
- Cold/moist stratification required — 30–60 days
- Germination Time:
- 14–30 days
- Notes:
- Seeds germinate best after cold stratification; surface sow on moist soil.
Pre-treatment: 6-month cold moist chilling in a refrigerator maintained at 34 to 37°F
Establishment: Germination does not decrease with decreasing light intensity from full to partial, but declines substantially from full and partial irradiance to zero. Seedling mortality is high in the partial and zero irradiance treatments.
Source: npn.rngr.net
ORGHPS Germination Guide: Sow @ 4C.