Dwarf Pussytoes (Antennaria parvifolia)

Photo by Lisa Bird

Appearance: Dwarf Pussytoes has pretty white flowers clustered like a cat’s toes on stalks growing to 6 inches in height.  The lance-shaped leaves grow in low mats, so the combination of the leaves and flowers on stalks makes it ideal for use as a groundcover.

Habitat: One of nine species found in the southern Rockies, it is commonly found in open mountain and foothills areas in sandy, well-drained soils. It has low moisture requirements and grows in sun to part shade.

Landscape suitability: Dwarf Pussytoes is perfect for rock or wildflower gardens and because of its low growth habit, and can be used between walkway paving stones.  Bees and butterflies are attracted to this native.

Contributed by Susan Thomas, Colorado Native Plant Master

Sources:  Native Plant Master Manual, El Paso County; Colorado State University 2008

Colorado Flora, Eastern Slope; William A. Weber and Ronald C. Wittmann;

University Press of Colorado, Niwot, Colorado; 1996