Antennaria howellii (Fr: antennaire de Howell | En: Small Pussytoes)

Small Pussytoes

Antennaria howellii
Alternative names: Howell’s Pussytoes
French: Antennaire de Howell

Small Pussytoes is a low-growing, drought-tolerant perennial native to some of the harshest habitats in our region. It thrives on rock barrens, sand dunes, and alvars, where soil is thin, dry, and temperatures can soar—making it an excellent choice for rock gardens, green roofs, and urban edges near concrete or stone.

This species spreads by stolons, forming dense ground-covering colonies, with most plants being female. Female flowerheads are more spike-like, while the less common male flowers are flatter and umbrella-shaped.

Antennaria species, including A. howellii, are important host plants for butterflies and moths, such as the American Painted Lady (Vanessa virginiensis), whose larvae feed on their foliage. Its early April to June bloom period also provides nectar to early-season pollinators.

Height: Low-growing, mat-forming
Bloom time: April to June
Light: Full sun
Moisture: Dry
Soil: Sandy, rocky, well-drained
Habitat: Rock barrens, sand dunes, alvars
Ecological benefits: Host plant for butterflies, drought-tolerant groundcover
Edible: Not edible