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Summary

Rosy pussytoes (Antennaria rosea) is a low, perennial, mat-forming species of the sunflower family (Asteraceae). It is native to mountain meadows, grasslands, and alpine slopes across western North America. Plants are typically 5–20 cm tall, spreading by rhizomes and stolons to form persistent groundcover. Leaves are small, spoon- to lance-shaped, and densely woolly, while the flower heads occur in clusters and are usually pink-tinted, giving the species its common name. Male and female flowers are produced on separate plants.

Physical Characteristics

Antennaria rosea is a PERENNIAL growing to 0.2 m (0ft 8in) by 0.2 m (0ft 8in) at a fast rate.
See above for USDA hardiness. It is hardy to UK zone 4 and is not frost tender. The flowers are pollinated by Bees, Insects.
It is noted for attracting wildlife.
Suitable for: light (sandy) and medium (loamy) soils and prefers well-drained soil. Suitable pH: mildly acid, neutral and basic (mildly alkaline) soils. It cannot grow in the shade. It prefers dry or moist soil.

UK Hardiness Map US Hardiness Map

Synonyms

Accepted Infraspecifics: A. rosea subsp. arida (E.E.Nelson) R.J.Bayer. A. rosea subsp. confinis (Greene) R.J.Bayer. A.a subsp. pulvinata (Greene) R.J.Bayer. A. rosea subsp. rosea.

Plant Habitats

Edible Uses

The leaves can be chewed like gum, though they provide no real nutritional value. Their main appeal is as a mild-tasting, slightly fibrous chew rather than as a food source. Unlike littleleaf pussytoes (A. parvifolia), where the dense hairs make leaves unpleasant to eat, A. rosea has been noted in ethnobotanical records as being casually chewed by Native Americans. Beyond this, the species has little food use and is not considered an important edible plant [2-3].

References More on Edible Uses

Medicinal Uses

Plants For A Future can not take any responsibility for any adverse effects from the use of plants. Always seek advice from a professional before using a plant medicinally.

None Known

References More on Medicinal Uses

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Other Uses

While there are no significant records of medicinal applications, rosy pussytoes plays a role in soil stabilization and erosion control, as its stoloniferous mats bind loose soil in alpine and subalpine habitats. Its nectar supports native pollinators, and its pink-tinged flowers make it an attractive component of wildflower and rock gardens.

Special Uses

References More on Other Uses

Cultivation details

Habitat & Growing Conditions: Rosy pussytoes thrives in open meadows, dry slopes, alpine tundra, and prairies, usually in well-drained sandy or rocky soils. It is adapted to full sun and low to moderate soil moisture. Its tolerance for drought and cold makes it well suited to upland conditions. Growth & Ecology: This species spreads steadily by rhizomes and stolons, forming low mats that persist for many years. It competes successfully in dry, nutrient-poor soils but is not aggressive outside of its natural habitats. The hairy leaves conserve moisture and deter herbivory. Hardy in USDA zones 3–8, capable of surviving cold alpine winters and short growing seasons.

References Carbon Farming Information and Carbon Sequestration Information

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Plant Propagation

Seed. Division of stolons.

Other Names

If available other names are mentioned here

Rosy Pussy Toes (Antennaria rosea Greene).

Native Range

Alaska, Alberta, Arizona, British Columbia, California, Colorado, Greenland, Idaho, Labrador, Maine, Manitoba, Michigan, Minnesota, Montana, Nevada, New Mexico, Newfoundland, North Dakota, Northwest Territories, Nunavut, Ontario, Oregon, Québec, Saskatchewan, South Dakota, Utah, Washington, Wyoming, Yukon

Weed Potential

Right plant wrong place. We are currently updating this section. Please note that a plant may be invasive in one area but may not in your area so it's worth checking.

Not considered invasive. It spreads locally in mountain meadows and dry prairies but does not aggressively colonize disturbed ground outside its native range.

Conservation Status

IUCN Red List of Threatened Plants Status : Not available

Related Plants

Latin Name	Common Name	Habit	Height	Hardiness	Growth	Soil	Shade	Moisture	Edible	Medicinal	Other
Antennaria dioica	Catsfoot, Stoloniferous pussytoes	Perennial	0.1	4-8		L	N	DM	0	2	2
Antennaria parvifolia	Littleleaf Pussytoes	Perennial	0.2	3-8	F	LM	SN	DM	1	0	2

Growth: S = slow M = medium F = fast. Soil: L = light (sandy) M = medium H = heavy (clay). pH: A = acid N = neutral B = basic (alkaline). Shade: F = full shade S = semi-shade N = no shade. Moisture: D = dry M = Moist We = wet Wa = water.

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Antennaria rosea - Greene