One recurrent question native plant gardeners receive is “what is a good ground cover?” A ground cover needs to be hardy and not too tall, spread quickly, and be evergreen if possible.
Antennaria, or pussytoes, checks all these boxes. Three species are native to Arkansas. Pussytoes flowers look like tiny cats’ feet. Leaves grow at ground level, but the early spring flowers can reach almost a foot in height. Pussytoes specialize in reproduction.
They can self-pollinate or be pollinated by wind or insects, including native bees. They also spread by stolons or runners. Pussytoes are a host plant for the American Painted Lady butterfly. And unlike lawns, pussytoes are highly drought tolerant.