Field Pussytoes (Antennaria neglecta): A Tough Native Groundcover for Butterflies

Field pussytoes (Antennaria neglecta) is a low-growing, herbaceous perennial native to much of the northern U.S. and Canada. It thrives in sandy, open sites near woodlands, old fields, and shallow soils in partial to full sun. This adaptable plant works well in rock gardens, between stepping stones, or along sidewalk edges.

Beyond its ornamental appeal, field pussytoes serves as a larval host for the American lady butterfly (Vanessa virginiensis), making it a valuable addition to butterfly gardens.

Botanical name: Antennaria neglecta
Common name: Field pussytoes
Origin: Native from Montana east to Maine, south to Colorado and Oklahoma, eastward to North Carolina; in Canada from British Columbia to Quebec, Nova Scotia, Prince Edward Island, and the Northwest Territory
Hardiness: USDA zones 2b–7b (–45 °F / –43 °C)
Typical Communities: Dry to medium woodland edges, old fields, rocky bluffs, sand prairies
Soil: Dry to medium, sand to loamy sand
Light: Partial sun to full sun
Mature Size: 4–14 inches tall, 4–8 inches wide

Benefits & Tolerances: Tolerates dry conditions, sandy soil, and periodic mowing.
Seasonal Interest: Silver-gray basal rosettes covered in fine white hairs; upright narrow flower heads resembling upside-down cat's paws bloom April–June.
When to Plant: Spring or fall; potted plants available at native-plant nurseries.

Distinguishing Traits

Field pussytoes spreads via above-ground stolons that root to form new clumps of silvery foliage. White, fuzzy flower heads appear on upright stalks from April to June. In sandy regions, large colonies often intermix with grass in rural lawns or roadside embankments.

How to Use It

Plant in clusters to create a dense mat as the stolons spread. Ideal for rock gardens, between informal pavers, along perennial borders, or even as a lawn alternative in low-traffic areas.

Planting Notes

Look for small container-grown plants at local nurseries; they establish and fill in within one or two seasons. No need for large containers.

Pollinator Notes

Flowers are either male or female on a given plant (dioecious). Wind and insects (native bees, flies, beetles, occasional butterflies) transfer pollen. The American lady butterfly prefers silver-foliaged plants for egg-laying; females lay eggs on leaf undersides in early May (upper Midwest). Caterpillars form a distinctive feeding shelter by curling leaf edges together.

Shown: A painted lady butterfly caterpillar (note: American lady caterpillar similar).