Littleleaf Pussytoes

Littleleaf Pussytoes (Antennaria microphylla) is a charming, low-growing native perfect for tucking into dry, sunny nooks where other plants struggle. With its fuzzy, silvery foliage and tight, creeping form, it makes a great native alternative to traditional lawn or rock garden groundcovers. Come late spring, it sends up delicate flower stalks with soft white to pink blooms that resemble tiny cat paws—hence the name.

This tough little perennial is well suited to high-elevation gardens, xeric beds, and pathways where its matting habit can help suppress weeds and hold soil in place. It’s beloved by butterflies, ignored by deer, and requires almost no upkeep once established. Try pairing it with other mountain natives for a low-water, high-reward planting.

Foliage photo by: Andrey Zharkikh