Littleleaf Pussytoes
Antennaria microphylla
Also known as: small-leaf pussytoes
- Native to:
- Canada, United States
Unknown author Unknown author
Taxonomy
- Division:
- Magnoliophyta | - Flowering plants
- Family:
- Asteraceae
- Genus:
- Antennaria
- Species:
- Antennaria microphylla
- USDA Symbol:
- ANMI3
Growth Characteristics
- Life Cycle:
- Perennial
- Growth Habit:
- Forb/herb
- Height:
- 15 cm
- Light Requirements:
- Full Sun
- Drought Tolerance:
- High
- Bloom Months:
- may,jun,jul
- Bloom Colors:
- white, pink
- Ground Cover:
- Yes
- Lawn Substitute:
- Yes
Wildlife Benefits
- Bees:
- ★☆☆☆☆ Documented bee visitation (GBIF)
- Butterflies & Moths:
- ★☆☆☆☆ Documented Lepidoptera association (GBIF)
- Caterpillars:
- ★☆☆☆☆ Recorded caterpillar host plant (HOSTS Database)
Keystone Species Ranking
- Caterpillar Keystone:
- ★☆☆☆☆ Butterfly & moth species supported by this genus (NWF)
Host Plant for Caterpillars
Verna flower moth (Schinia verna), American Lady (Vanessa virginiensis)
Garden & Ecology Notes
- Wildlife Value:
- butterflies, native bees
- Deer Resistant:
- Yes
Soil Requirements
- Soil Type:
- sandy, well-drained, nutrient-poor soil
- pH:
- 6.0 - 7.5 (slightly acidic to neutral)
- Drainage:
- excellent drainage required
- Moisture:
- dry to moderate
- Notes:
- prefers open, sunny locations
Propagation & Germination
- Stratification:
- Cold/moist stratification required — 30–60 days
- Germination Time:
- 14–30 days
- Notes:
- Seeds require light for germination; press into soil surface without covering. Germination can be erratic and slow.
The above propagation data sourced from Claude AI
Pre-treatment: A 6-week cold moist stratification at 34 to 37°F. Sow seeds directly onto a peat-lite mix and cold chill, or stratify seeds in a 50:50 sand:peat moss mix in a ventilated ziplock bag. Moisten seed and media and allow to imbibe water overnight before placing in cooler.
Source: npn.rngr.net