Rosy Pussytoes

Rosy Pussytoes (Antennaria rosea) is a wonderfully tidy little native for spots where you want living groundcover that can tolerate light foot traffic. Its soft silvery foliage forms a low carpet, while the unusual little pink flower clusters rise just above it and give the plant its charming “pussytoes” name. It works particularly well around rocks, stepping stones, along dry borders, or anywhere a low-growing plant can gradually fill in between larger perennials.

Once established, Rosy Pussytoes is remarkably undemanding. It prefers lean, well-drained soil and actually performs better without rich soil or frequent irrigation. The foliage provides interest even when it isn't blooming, while the flowers and foliage offer useful habitat for native insects. Its slow-to-moderate spreading habit also makes it much more suitable for a deliberately planted garden than an aggressively running groundcover.