Antennaria dioica

Antennaria dioica, commonly known as mountain everlasting or pussytoes, is a perennial herbaceous plant belonging to the Asteraceae family. Native to North America, it thrives in diverse habitats, including meadows, rocky slopes, and alpine tundra. The plant typically grows up to 30 cm tall and features a basal rosette of grayish-green leaves, which have woolly hairs on their undersides. The lance-shaped leaves have toothed edges and can reach up to 10 cm in length. From May to August, Antennaria dioica produces small, white or pinkish flowers that bloom in dense clusters atop leafless stems. Historically, Native Americans have utilized the plant for medicinal purposes, treating ailments such as coughs, colds, fever, and digestive problems. Moreover, Antennaria dioica serves as a crucial food source for wildlife like deer and elk, who rely on its leaves during the winter months when other food sources are scarce. In summary, Antennaria dioica is a resilient perennial herbaceous plant that enhances the beauty of any garden or natural landscape. It offers significant ecological benefits, making it an excellent addition to both cultivated and wild environments.

Characteristics

Plant Type

Herb

Life Cycle

Perennial, Annual

Genus

Antennaria

Family

Asteraceae

Hardiness Zone

4-8

Mature Height

15 cm

Mature Spread

46 cm

Leaf Color

Green, Silver, Gray

Leaf Type

Evergreen

Flower Color

White, Pink, Red

Flower Size

2.54 cm

Bloom Time

Mid spring, Late spring

Planting Time

Spring, Summer

Harvest Time

Early summer, Mid summer

Native Area

Turkey, Sweden, Austria, Slovakia, Montenegro, Slovenia, Croatia, Belarus, Russia, Germany, Estonia, Koppen, Romania, Latvia, Belgium, Moldova, Netherlands, France, Czech Republic, Bulgaria, Armenia, Poland, Greece, Ukraine, Serbia, China, Lithuania, Norway, Italy, Kazakhstan, Spain, Switzerland, Denmark, Japan, Mongolia, Finland, Albania, Ireland, United Kingdom, Hungary, Azerbaijan

Tags (7)

Common Names (10)