Field Pussytoes
antennaria neglecta
Also known as: ["Pussytoes","Lesser Pussytoes"]
Overview
A low-growing perennial with fuzzy, basal leaves and unique, cat-paw-shaped flower heads.
Benefits & Perks
["drought tolerant","deer resistant","wildlife attractant (bees, butterflies, birds)","low maintenance"]
Botanical Classification
| Phylum: | Magnoliophyta |
| Class: | Magnoliopsida |
| Order: | Asterales |
| Family: | Asteraceae |
| Genus: | Antennaria |
| Botanical Name: | Antennaria neglecta |
Plant Characteristics
Basic Information
- Category: Flowers
- Suitable Location: rock gardens, alpine troughs, or sunny borders
- Suitable For:
- Is Weed: No
- Allergenicity: low
Environmental Needs
- Climate: {"temperatureRange":"–30 to 30°C"}
- Hardiness: {"zones":"3–8"}
- Misting: rarely required, only if grown in very dry indoor conditions
- Drainage: Fast-draining.
- Soil Type: Well-draining, sandy, or loamy soil with some organic matter. Avoid heavy clay soils.
Maintenance Level
- Maintenance Level: very low
- Toughness Level: high
- Pruning Frequency: Annually after flowering or as needed to remove dead growth.
- Pruning Intensity: Light to moderate. Remove no more than one-third of the plant at a time.
Care Details
Ideal Sunlight Coverage:
Full sun to partial shade (4–6 hours of direct sunlight daily). Tolerates light shade in hot climates.
Sunlight Tolerance Tips:
Acclimate plants gradually to intense sunlight to prevent scorching. In hot regions, provide afternoon shade. Indoors, place near a south-facing window with filtered light.
Care Requirements
Care Difficulty
easymoderate
Sunlight
full sun to partial shade
Rotate plants for even light exposure; use sheer curtains to filter intense sun; avoid direct afternoon sun in summer.
Watering
every 7–10 days during active growth, less frequently in winter
Water thoroughly but infrequently; ensure soil dries between waterings; avoid overhead watering to prevent fungal issues.
Soil
well-drained, sandy or loamy soil with low fertility
pH: Slightly acidic to neutral (pH 6.0–7.0).
Ensure soil dries between waterings; amend with sand or perlite for drainage; avoid compacted soil.
Temperature
Hardy in USDA zones 3–8. Prefers cool to moderate temperatures (60–75°F or 15–24°C). Tolerates frost but may struggle in extreme heat.
Protect from extreme heat; mulch in winter; avoid sudden temperature fluctuations.
Fertilizing
rarely needed, apply a balanced, slow-release fertilizer once in early spring if growth is poor
Fertilize only once a year; use a low-nitrogen formula; water after fertilizing to distribute nutrients.
Propagation
Methods
Stem cuttings or division of clumps. Stem cuttings are more common for home growers.
Step-by-Step Propagation Guide
- Take 3–4 inch cuttings.
- Remove lower leaves.
- Dip in rooting hormone (optional).
- Plant in moist medium.
- Maintain humidity.
- Transplant when rooted.
Best Time: Early spring or late summer when the plant is actively growing but not under stress.
Environment
Warm (65–75°F or 18–24°C), humid, and bright but indirect light. Protect from direct sun and drafts.
Medium
Well-draining potting mix, such as a mix of peat, perlite, and sand.
Hormone
Rooting hormone is optional but can improve success rates, especially for stem cuttings.
Timeline
Roots typically form in 3–6 weeks. Plants may take an additional season to establish fully.
Tools Needed
Pruning shears, rooting hormone, small pots, well-draining medium, misting bottle.
Quick Tips
Use sharp, clean tools; keep soil consistently moist; provide bottom heat if possible; avoid disturbing cuttings.
Pruning & Repotting
Pruning Guide
Method
Pinch back tips or shear lightly to encourage branching. Cut stems just above a leaf node or lateral bud.
Pruning Plan
Prune to maintain shape, encourage bushier growth, and remove dead or damaged stems. Light pruning after flowering promotes reblooming.
Tools
Pruning shears, clean scissors, gloves.
Checklist
Sterilize tools; prune dead/damaged stems; cut just above nodes; clean up debris; dispose of diseased material.
Repotting Guide
Best Season
Early spring before new growth begins.
Pot Size
Increase pot size by 1–2 inches in diameter. Avoid oversized pots to prevent waterlogging.
Method
Gently remove the plant; trim any dead roots; place in a pot with fresh, well-draining soil; water thoroughly after repotting.
Suggestions
Repot every 2–3 years or when the plant becomes root-bound. Antennaria neglecta prefers slightly crowded conditions but benefits from fresh soil.
Checklist
Choose appropriate pot size; use fresh soil mix; trim roots if necessary; water after repotting; place in appropriate light.
Advanced Care Tips
Watering Mastery
Watering Checklist
Check soil moisture before watering; water deeply; ensure drainage; avoid wetting leaves.
How to Apply Water Properly
Water directly at the base of the plant, ensuring moisture reaches the root zone. Water early in the morning to minimize evaporation and allow foliage to dry before nightfall. Ensure excess water drains away to prevent waterlogging.
Watering Schedule Tips
Water deeply once every 7–10 days during active growth, reducing frequency to every 2–3 weeks in winter. Adjust based on rainfall and soil moisture retention.
Soil Improvement
Add perlite or coarse sand to improve drainage; incorporate compost for organic matter; ensure soil is loose and friable.
Temperature Stress Management
Signs of Temperature Issues
Chlorosis or wilting in excessive heat; stunted growth or browning edges in cold stress.
Cold Stress
Low temperatures slow growth but do not typically harm hardy varieties. Prolonged freezing without protection may cause root damage.
Solution: Mulch heavily around the base in winter to insulate roots. Avoid overwatering before freezes to prevent ice damage.
Hot Stress
Excessive heat can cause wilting, leaf scorch, or reduced flowering. Heat stress may lead to premature dormancy.
Solution: Provide afternoon shade; increase watering frequency; use mulch to retain soil moisture; ensure good air circulation.
Fertilizing Guide
Fertilizing Checklist
Use balanced fertilizer; apply in spring; avoid over-fertilizing; water after application.
Fertilizing Method
Use a balanced, slow-release fertilizer in early spring. Apply sparingly, as Antennaria neglecta is not heavy feeder. Avoid fertilizing in late summer or fall to prevent tender growth vulnerable to frost.
Common Problems & Solutions
Toxicity Warning
Cats
Non-toxicAntennaria neglecta is not toxic to cats. There are no documented cases of toxicity in felines from exposure to this plant.
⚡ Toxic If:
None
Dogs
Non-toxicAntennaria neglecta is not toxic to dogs. There are no documented cases of toxicity in canines from exposure to this plant.
⚡ Toxic If:
None
Humans
Non-toxicAntennaria neglecta, commonly known as field pussytoes, is not considered toxic to humans. It has no known adverse effects on human health.
⚡ Toxic If:
None
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: How do I propagate Pussytoes?
A: Propagate by division in spring or fall, or by seed sown in early spring.
Q: Does Pussytoes attract pollinators?
A: Yes, it attracts bees and butterflies with its nectar-rich flowers.
Q: Can Pussytoes grow in full sun?
A: Yes, it thrives in full sun to partial shade and prefers well-drained soil.
Quick Reference
| Family: | Asteraceae |
| Care: | easy |
| Light: | full sun to partial shade |
| Water: | every 7–10 days during activ |
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