Mountain Everlasting

antennaria dioica

Also known as: ["Mountain everlasting","Siberian everlasting","Cat's foot"]

Family: Asteraceae Genus: Antennaria Category: Flowers

Overview

A low-growing, mat-forming perennial with woolly leaves and small, woolly, pinkish-white flower heads.

Benefits & Perks

["long-flowering","drought tolerant","shade tolerant","wildlife attractant (bees, butterflies, birds)"]

Botanical Classification

Phylum: Magnoliophyta
Class: Magnoliopsida
Order: Asterales
Family: Asteraceae
Genus: Antennaria
Botanical Name: Antennaria dioica

Plant Characteristics

Basic Information
  • Category: Flowers
  • Suitable Location: rock gardens, alpine troughs, or sunny borders
  • Suitable For:
    Beginners Busy People (low Maintenance) Outdoor Landscapers Wildlife Supporters
  • Is Weed: No
  • Allergenicity: low
Environmental Needs
  • Climate: {"temperatureRange":"−40–30°C"}
  • Hardiness: {"zones":"3–7"}
  • Misting: rarely required
  • Drainage: Fast-draining; cannot tolerate waterlogged soil.
  • Soil Type: Sandy, gritty, or loamy soil with low fertility.
Maintenance Level
  • Maintenance Level: very low
  • Toughness Level: high
  • Pruning Frequency: After flowering; as needed to remove dead or damaged stems.
  • Pruning Intensity: Light to moderate; avoid heavy pruning unless rejuvenating an older plant.
Care Details

Ideal Sunlight Coverage:
Full sun (6–8 hours/day) or bright indirect light. Tolerates partial shade but blooms best in sun.

Sunlight Tolerance Tips:
Acclimate slowly to intense sun; protect from harsh afternoon sun in hot climates; indoors, place near a south-facing window.

Warning Signs: Yellowing leaves (overwatering); stunted growth (poor drainage); sparse flowering (insufficient light).

Care Requirements

Care Difficulty
easy

moderate

Sunlight

full sun to partial shade

Rotate plant for even light; avoid direct midday sun in summer; supplement with grow lights if needed.

Watering

every 7–10 days, allowing soil to dry between waterings

Water deeply but infrequently; avoid overwatering; ensure excellent drainage.

Soil

well-drained, sandy or loamy soil

pH: Slightly acidic to neutral (pH 6.0–7.0).

Ensure soil dries quickly; avoid heavy clay mixes; use a cactus or succulent soil base.

Temperature

Hardy in USDA zones 3–7. Prefers cool temperatures (50–70°F or 10–21°C); tolerates frost.

Protect from late spring frosts; avoid placing in drafty areas; adjust watering in heat waves.

Fertilizing

every 2–3 months during active growth

Fertilize sparingly; avoid high-nitrogen formulas; stop feeding before winter.

Propagation

Methods

Stem cuttings or division of clumps.

Step-by-Step Propagation Guide
  1. Take 3–4 inch cuttings.
  2. Remove lower leaves.
  3. Dip in hormone.
  4. Plant in medium.
  5. Keep moist.

Best Time: Early spring or late summer when plants are actively growing.

Environment

Warm (65–75°F or 18–24°C), high humidity, and bright indirect light.

Medium

Well-draining mix of sand, perlite, and peat moss.

Hormone

Rooting hormone is optional but can improve success rates.

Timeline

Roots develop in 3–6 weeks; plants establish in 1–2 growing seasons.

Tools Needed

Pruners, rooting hormone, small pots, well-draining medium.

Quick Tips

Use healthy, non-flowering stems; maintain humidity with a plastic cover; avoid overwatering.

Pruning & Repotting

Pruning Guide
Method

Deadhead by cutting just below the flower; trim stems to desired length.

Pruning Plan

Remove spent flowers to encourage reblooming; trim leggy growth to maintain shape.

Tools

Hand pruners, clean scissors.

Checklist

Clean tools; deadhead spent flowers; trim leggy growth; remove dead stems.

Repotting Guide
Best Season

Early spring before new growth begins.

Pot Size

One size up from current pot; ensure good drainage holes.

Method

Remove plant gently; trim roots if necessary; repot in fresh, well-draining soil.

Suggestions

Repot only if the plant becomes root-bound or outgrows its container.

Checklist

Prepare new pot; trim roots if needed; use fresh soil; water lightly after repotting.

Advanced Care Tips

Watering Mastery
Watering Checklist

Check soil dryness; water deeply; ensure drainage; adjust for season.

How to Apply Water Properly

Water at the base, targeting the root zone. Apply until water drains from the bottom, then stop. Water in the morning to minimize evaporation.

Pro Tip: Use a watering can with a narrow spout to avoid disturbing the soil surface.
Watering Schedule Tips

Water sparingly, allowing soil to dry completely between waterings. Reduce frequency in winter to once every 4–6 weeks.

Soil Improvement

Add sand, perlite, or grit to improve drainage; incorporate compost for fertility.

Temperature Stress Management
Signs of Temperature Issues

Wilting in heat; stunted growth in excessive cold; leaf drop in extreme conditions.

Cold Stress

Plants may become dormant but typically survive cold; prolonged freezing without snow cover can damage roots.

Solution: Mulch heavily in fall; avoid wet soil in winter; provide wind protection in exposed sites.

Hot Stress

Leaves may scorch or wilt; flowering may decline; growth slows in excessive heat.

Solution: Provide afternoon shade; water deeply but infrequently; improve air circulation.

Fertilizing Guide
Fertilizing Checklist

Use diluted fertilizer; apply in spring; avoid late-season feeding.

Fertilizing Method

Use a balanced, low-nitrogen fertilizer diluted to half strength. Apply once in early spring; avoid fertilizing in late summer or fall.

Common Problems & Solutions

Yellowing leaves in Antennaria dioica may indicate nutrient deficiencies, overwatering, or pest infestations, affecting the plant's photosynthetic efficiency and overall health.

Wilting in Antennaria dioica can result from water stress, either due to drought or overwatering, leading to reduced turgor pressure and impaired nutrient uptake.

Leaf spots on Antennaria dioica are often caused by fungal or bacterial infections, leading to reduced photosynthesis and potential leaf loss if severe.

Rotting, particularly root or stem rot, can occur in Antennaria dioica due to excessive moisture or fungal pathogens, causing decay and eventual plant death.

Toxicity Warning

Cats
Non-toxic

Antennaria dioica is not known to be toxic to cats. There are no reported cases of adverse effects in felines after ingestion.

⚡ Toxic If:

if eaten

Monitor your cat if they consume any plant material, but this species is not considered harmful.
Dogs
Non-toxic

Antennaria dioica is not known to be toxic to dogs. There are no reported cases of adverse effects in canines after ingestion.

⚡ Toxic If:

if eaten

Monitor your dog if they consume any plant material, but this species is not considered harmful.
Humans
Non-toxic

Antennaria dioica is generally considered non-toxic to humans. It has not been documented to cause significant adverse effects when ingested in typical amounts.

⚡ Toxic If:

if eaten

While non-toxic, excessive consumption of any plant material is not recommended without proper consultation with a healthcare professional.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: Is Antennaria dioica toxic to pets?

A: No, it is non-toxic to dogs and cats.

Q: How much maintenance does this plant require?

A: It requires very low maintenance.

Q: Does this plant attract wildlife?

A: Yes, it attracts bees, butterflies, and birds.

Quick Reference
Family: Asteraceae
Care: easy
Light: full sun to partial shade
Water: every 7–10 days, allowing so
Suitable For: ["beginners","busy people (low maintenance)","outdoor landscapers","wildlife supporters (attracts bees, butterflies, birds)"]
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