Species Howell's Pussytoes
off-white flowers with lime leaves and light-brown stems

Howell's Pussytoes

Antennaria howellii subsp. howellii

Howell's Pussytoes (Antennaria howellii subsp. howellii) is a decumbent perennial in the Asteraceae family native to western North America. Its delicate white flower heads appear in early spring, and its soft, downy leaves form low-lying mats. Its flowers, which die off in summer, are well-loved by native pollinators. It thrives in sunny, open areas, and is drought tolerant, surviving in fire-prone areas. In the late spring and summer it creates a beautiful silver carpet in its natural habitat. Overall, Howell's pussytoes is an aesthetically pleasing and versatile plant, perfect for any garden.

Watering:

Minimal

Propagation:

Seed Propagation,Division,Cutting,Layering Propagation

Hardiness Zone:

Sun:

full sun,part shade

Leaf:

Yes

Leaf Color:

green,gray,gray

Growth Rate:

Low

Drought Tolerant:

Yes

Salt Tolerant:

Yes

Care Level:

Medium

watering

Howell's Pussytoes should be watered when the top 1-2 inches of soil feel dry to the touch. Depending on the season and climate, this could mean anywhere from 1-2 times per week. In very hot, dry weather, these plants may need to be watered more often. Avoid overwatering as Howell's Pussytoes are drought-tolerant and appreciate occasional dry spells.

sunlight

Howell's Pussytoes are native to temperate climates and require around 6 hours of sunlight each day. This species grows best in a sunny location with partial shade during the hottest part of the day. The sun should hit the plant in the morning and evening rather than during the midday heat. Ideally, a Howell's Pussytoes should receive sunlight for the majority of the day, with less during the hottest part of the day. This species does best in temperatures ranging from 21 - 24°C, with some fluctuations tolerated during cooler and warmer periods.

pruning

Pruning of Howell's Pussytoes (Antennaria howellii subsp. howellii) should be done in late winter or early spring before the new growth starts. Pussytoes do not need much pruning, but it's necessary to remove dead, damaged, and diseased plant material; to control size and form; and to remove flowers that have gone to seed to maintain a tidy appearance. Remove seed heads, dead or damaged leaves, and any sign of disease or damage to the stems. Prune according to the desired look and shape of the plant. Howell's Pussytoes look best when they are kept relatively open and compact, so deadheading the flowers and occasionally cutting back the stems can help to keep the plant in shape. Be sure to leave some flowers on the plant for both aesthetic and ecological reasons.