Family: Asteraceae
Author: (L.) Gaertn.
Bibliography: Fruct. Sem. Pl. 2: 410 (1791)
Year: 1791
Status: accepted
Rank: species
Genus: Antennaria
Vegetable: False
Observations: Subarctic to NW. U.S.A.
Description
Alpine pussytoes, known scientifically as Antennaria alpina, is a noteworthy plant within the Asteraceae family. This species was first described scientifically in 1791 in Fruct. Sem. Pl. 2: 410 by the botanist (L.) Gaertn. Endemic to subarctic regions and extending into the northwestern United States, Alpine pussytoes are adapted to thrive in cold, often mountainous environments.
Noted for its resilience and hardiness, Antennaria alpina typically showcases small, woolly, and often white flowers that resemble the feet of a kitten, hence the common name “pussytoes.” These distinctive floral bundles are set against a backdrop of silvery-grey foliage, making it a visually striking addition to alpine and rock gardens.
The growth habit of Alpine pussytoes is typically low and mat-forming, which helps it withstand harsh winds and temperatures while reducing water loss in these chilly, high-altitude climates. It is often found in rocky, well-drained soils where it can form extensive ground covers, contributing to soil stabilization and providing habitat for various alpine insects.
Given its adaptability, Antennaria alpina is an excellent specimen for gardeners seeking to cultivate a slice of alpine biodiversity. Its attractive, low-maintenance nature and ecological benefits make it a valuable plant for both natural habitats and designed landscapes.
Common Names
Eng: alpine pussytoes
Nob: filtkattefot
Nno: filtkattefot
Swe: fjällkattfot
Fra: antennaire alpine
Sme: duottargarjágazza, duottarbusságeahpil
En: Alpine pussytoes
Fi: Kaljukissankäpälä, Tunturikissankäpälä
Fr: Antennaire alpine
Se: Duottarbusságeahpil, Duottargarjágazza
No: Filtkattefot
Nb: Filtkattefot
Nn: Filtkattefot
Sv: Fjällkattfot
Synonyms
- Antennaria alpina var. ungavensis (Fernald)
- Antennaria brunnescens (Fernald)
- Antennaria columnaris (Fernald)
- Antennaria stolonifera (A.E.Porsild)
- Chamaezelum alpinum (Link)
- Antennaria compacta (Malte)
- Antennaria alpina var. typica (Fernald)
- Antennaria porsildii f. roseola (Ekman)
- Antennaria arenicola (Malte)
- Antennaria foggii (Fernald)
- Antennaria pedunculata (A.E.Porsild)
- Antennaria cana (Fernald)
- Antennaria longii (Fernald)
- Antennaria borealis (Greene)
- Antennaria pallida (E.E.Nelson)
- Gnaphalium alpinum (L.)
- Gnaphalium dioicum var. alpicola (Hartm.)
- Antennaria alpina var. cana (Fernald & Wiegand)
- Antennaria lapponica (Selander)
- Antennaria alpina var. canescens (Lange)
- Antennaria alpina var. compacta ((Malte) S.L.Welsh)
- Antennaria wiegandii (Fernald)
- Gnaphalium alpinum var. elatius (Gaudin)
- Antennaria atriceps (Fernald ex Raup)
- Antennaria alpina var. glabrata (J.Vahl)
- Antennaria labradorica (Nutt.)
- Antennaria canescens f. fastigiata (Böcher)
- Antennaria alpina var. intermedia (Rosenv.)
- Antennaria crymophila (A.E.Porsild)
- Antennaria alpina f. latifolia (Ekman)
- Antennaria vexillifera (Fernald)
- Antennaria glabrata f. ramosa (A.E.Porsild)
- Antennaria alpina subsp. canescens ((Lange) Chmiel.)
- Antennaria glabrata (Greene)
- Antennaria ungavensis (Malte)
- Antennaria bayardii (Fernald)
- Antennaria canescens var. pseudoporsildii (Böcher)
- Antennaria confusa (Fernald)
- Antennaria friesiana subsp. compacta ((Malte) Hultén)
- Antennaria alpina var. ramosissima (Lange)
- Antennaria intermedia ((Rosenv.) Porsild)
- Antennaria media subsp. compacta ((Malte) Chmiel.)
- Antennaria alpina var. stolonifera ((A.E.Porsild) S.L.Welsh)
Distribution
- Alaska (native)
- Alberta (native)
- British Columbia (native)
- Finland (native)
- Greenland (native)
- Labrador (native)
- Magadan (native)
- Montana (native)
- Newfoundland (native)
- North European Russi (native)
- Northwest Territorie (native)
- Norway (native)
- Nunavut (native)
- Ontario (native)
- Québec (native)
- Sweden (native)
- Wyoming (native)
- Yukon (native)
Additional Images
Leaf
Taken Jun 15, 2022 by Nina Autant (cc-by-sa)
Taken Aug 29, 2022 by T Trista (cc-by-sa)
Taken Jul 9, 2020 by T Trista (cc-by-sa)
Taken Jul 4, 2021 by James Stevens (cc-by-sa)
Taken Jul 22, 2021 by Amber LeBlanc (cc-by-sa)
Flower
Taken Aug 29, 2022 by T Trista (cc-by-sa)
Taken Jul 9, 2020 by T Trista (cc-by-sa)
Taken Jun 24, 2021 by Carolyn Work (cc-by-sa)
Taken Apr 28, 2020 by shannon felger (cc-by-sa)
Taken Jun 6, 2021 by Barbarea (cc-by-sa)
Habit
Taken Jan 1, 1900 by EOL − Encyclopedia of Life (cc-by-nc)
Taken Jan 1, 1900 by EOL − Encyclopedia of Life (cc-by-nc)
Taken Jan 1, 1900 by EOL − Encyclopedia of Life (cc-by-nc)
Taken Jan 1, 1900 by EOL − Encyclopedia of Life (cc-by-nc)
Taken Jan 1, 1900 by EOL − Encyclopedia of Life (cc-by-nc)
© copyright of the Board of Trustees of the Royal Botanic Gardens, Kew.
© copyright of the Board of Trustees of the Royal Botanic Gardens, Kew.
© copyright of the Board of Trustees of the Royal Botanic Gardens, Kew.
Sources
- WFO (No URL)
- IPNI (No URL)
- GBIF (https://www.gbif.org/species/5385561)
- POWO (http://powo.science.kew.org/taxon/urn:lsid:ipni.org:names:176832-1)
- PlantNet (https://identify.plantnet.org/species/the-plant-list/Antennaria alpina (L.) Gaertn.)
Specifications
Growth habit: Forb/herb