Pussytoes (8)
The flower heads of the Antennaria genus grow in a tightly packed cluster which, from above, resemble a cat's paw, from below, so it was given the common name Pussytoes. Flower heads have only disk flowers. See also Rosy Pussytoes.
Flat-top Pussytoes
Antennaria corymbosa
Family:
Sunflower (Asteraceae)
AKA:
Meadow Pussytoes
Photo taken on:
May 27, 2006
Location:
Taylor Canyon, GV, CO
Life Zones:
Montane to alpine
Habitat:
Moist meadows, willow thickets
Grows 2" to 6" with grayish-green spoon-shaped leaves. Stems leaves are narrow. Bracts are white or light brown with a distinct dark brown or black spot.
Flora of North America reference.
Cushion Pussytoes
Antennaria dimorpha
Family:
Sunflower (Asteraceae)
AKA:
Low Pussytoes
Photo taken on:
July 1, 2025
Location:
Almont Triangle, CO
Life Zones:
PF
Habitat:
Sagebrush, dry, rocky areas
Grows less than 2" high from a mat of tiny, narrow, grey-green leaves. Flower heads are large compared to the leaves and are borne singly, barely above the leaves. This plant has gone to seed, but the single, low flower heads are easily seen.
Flora of North America reference.
Howell's Pussytoes
Antennaria howellii
Family:
Sunflower (Asteraceae)
AKA:
Photo taken on:
May 29, 2016
Location:
Wet Mountains, Eastern CO
Life Zones:
Foothills to subalpine
Habitat:
Moist meadows
Grows 6" to 12" with larger (1"+) spoon-shaped leaves that have a prominent central vein and are green on top. Stems leaves are narrow and clasping. Bracts are white.
Flora of North America reference.
White-Margin Pussytoes
Antennaria marginata
Family:
Sunflower (Asteraceae)
AKA:
Photo taken on:
June 15, 2019
Location:
FS Rd 137, Carson NF, NM
Life Zones:
Foothills to montane
Habitat:
Ponderosa and piñon woodlands
Grows to 2" to 8" with spatula-shaped leaves that have a pointed tip. The leaves are green on top and the white hairs underneath show as a white margin. Flower heads have 5 to 8 flowers with white bracts.
Flora of North America reference.
Rocky Mountain Pussytoes
Antennaria media
Family:
Sunflower (Asteraceae)
AKA:
Photo taken on:
July 16, 2006
Location:
Green Lake - Irwin, CO
Life Zones:
Alpine
Habitat:
Dry meadows and scree
Grows to 4" from a mat of grey-green leaves. Flower heads have blackish green bracts.
Flora of North America reference.
Littleleaf Pussytoes
Antennaria microphylla
Family:
Sunflower (Asteraceae)
AKA:
Tiny-leaved Pussytoes, Dwarf Everlasting
Photo taken on:
August 11, 2023
Location:
Roaring Judy Fish Hatchery, GV, CO
Life Zones:
Foothills to subalpine
Habitat:
Moist open areas, flood plains
Stems up to 12" high grow from a mat of tiny grey-green leaves ¼" to ½" long. Stem leaves are longer and narrow. Flower heads have 6 to 13 flowers with white bracts.
Below the leaves compared to a penny and a close up of the flower head.
Flora of North America reference.
Small-leaf Pussytoes
Antennaria parvifolia
Family:
Sunflower (Asteraceae)
AKA:
Sunloving Pussytoes, Catsfoot
Photo taken on:
June 16, 2007
Location:
Copper Creek Trail, GV, CO
Life Zones:
Foothills to subalpine
Habitat:
Dry meadows and slopes
Stems to 6" high, usually less, grow from a mat of grey-green leaves. Flower heads of 2 to 7 flowers appear when stems are only 2" high.
Flora of North America reference.
Tall Pussytoes
Antennaria pulcherrima subsp. anaphaloides
Family:
Sunflower (Asteraceae)
AKA:
Showy Pussytoes, Handsome Pussytoes
Photo taken on:
May 27, 2006
Location:
Almont Triangle, CO
Life Zones:
Foothills to subalpine
Habitat:
Moist meadows
Grows to 12" high, not in a mat. Leaves are long with three prominent veins.
Flora of North America reference.