Littleleaf pussytoes (Antennaria microphylla, Bull. Torrey Bot. Club 24(6): 303 (1897))

Family: Asteraceae

Author: Rydb.

Bibliography: Bull. Torrey Bot. Club 24(6): 303 (1897)

Year: 1897

Status: accepted

Rank: species

Genus: Antennaria

Vegetable: Unknown

Observations: Subarctic America to U.S.A.

Description

Littleleaf pussytoes, scientifically known as Antennaria microphylla, is a charming perennial herb that belongs to the Asteraceae family. This species was first documented in the Bulletin of the Torrey Botanical Club in 1897 by the botanist P. A. Rydberg.

Native to regions spanning from Subarctic America down to the United States, Antennaria microphylla thrives in a range of environments characterized by their cooler climates. The common name “Littleleaf pussytoes” aptly describes its small, downy leaves which are reminiscent of a cat’s paw—a trait that has earned it endearing recognition among plant enthusiasts and botanists alike.

This plant exhibits a subtle yet captivating beauty, typically forming dense mats with its compact foliage and creeping growth habit. The leaves are diminutive and softly pubescent, adding to its delicate appearance. When in bloom, Littleleaf pussytoes produce small clusters of flowers that are often white or pink, held aloft on slender stems. These flowers further contribute to the plant’s common name due to their resemblance to soft, padded toes.

Adapted to withstand harsher climates, Antennaria microphylla is well-suited for rock gardens, alpine settings, and other areas where low ground cover is desired. Its resilience and minimal maintenance requirements make it a favorable choice for gardeners looking to add a touch of natural elegance to their landscapes.

This species not only supports the aesthetic aspect of gardening but also contributes to the ecological value by providing habitats for various small insects and contributing to the stability of the soil in its native ranges. As part of the diverse Asteraceae family, Littleleaf pussytoes share the characteristic of being a composite flower, which means what appears to be a single flower is actually a cluster of numerous tiny florets.

In summary, Antennaria microphylla is a delightful and hardy plant that offers both beauty and endurance, making it a treasured addition to both natural and cultivated landscapes. Its historical documentation by Rydberg and continued presence across a broad geographic range underscore its significance and adaptability in the plant world.

Common Names

Eng: rocky mountain pussytoes, littleleaf pussytoes, small leaf everlasting, smallleaf pussytoes, little-leaved pussytoes, neat everlasting, neat pussytoes, small-leaved pussytoes, white pussytoes
Swe: småbladig kattfot
Fra: antennaire à feuilles réduites
En: Littleleaf pussytoes, SMALLLEAF PUSSYTOES, Small leaf everlasting, Rocky Mountain pussytoes, Little-leaved pussytoes, Neat everlasting, Neat pussytoes, Small-leaved pussytoes, White pussytoes
Fr: Antennaire à feuilles réduites
Sv: Småbladig kattfot

Synonyms

• Antennaria rosea var. nitida ((Greene) Breitung)
• Antennaria parvifolia var. bracteosa ((Rydb.) A.Nelson)
• Antennaria bracteosa (Rydb.)
• Antennaria glabrata f. tomentosa (Ekman)
• Antennaria groenlandica (Porsild)
• Antennaria solstitialis (Lunell)
• Antennaria microphylla var. solstitialis ((Lunell) Lunell)
• Antennaria nitida (Greene)

Distribution

• Alaska (native)
• Alberta (native)
• Arizona (native)
• British Columbia (native)
• California (native)
• Colorado (native)
• Idaho (native)
• Manitoba (native)
• Minnesota (native)
• Montana (native)
• Nebraska (native)
• Nevada (native)
• New Mexico (native)
• North Dakota (native)
• Northwest Territorie (native)
• Nunavut (native)
• Ontario (native)
• Oregon (native)
• Québec (native)
• Saskatchewan (native)
• South Dakota (native)
• Utah (native)
• Washington (native)
• Wyoming (native)
• Yukon (native)

Additional Images

Leaf

Taken Nov 30, 1899 by Ethan Greer (cc-by-sa)

Flower

Taken Nov 30, 1899 by Ethan Greer (cc-by-sa)

© 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/7727725)
• POWO (http://powo.science.kew.org/taxon/urn:lsid:ipni.org:names:14746-2)
• PlantNet (https://identify.plantnet.org/species/the-plant-list/Antennaria microphylla Rydb.)

Specifications

Growth