Alpine Pussytoes

Antennaria alpina

Native to:
Canada, Finland, Greenland, Labrador, Norway, Russia, Sweden, United States

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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:
10 cm
Light Requirements:
Full Sun
Drought Tolerance:
Medium
Bloom Months:
jun,jul,aug
Bloom Colors:
white, pink
Ground Cover:
Yes

Wildlife Benefits

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, small mammals
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:
Light enhances germination. Seeds are very small and should be surface-sown on sterile medium.

The above propagation data sourced from Claude AI

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.

Source: Ontario Rock Garden & Hardy Plant Society