Photo: Thayne TuasonCC BY-SA 4.0via Wikimedia Commonsresized / cropped
Whorled Pussytoes Plant Care
Antennaria dimorpha Torr. & A.Gray
Updated · Sources · How we source care data
This unique plant features soft, woolly leaves that give it a silvery appearance. Originating from the western United States, Antennaria dimorpha is highly sought after by plant collectors for its drought tolerance and ability to attract pollinators with its delicate flowers. Its compact mat-forming growth habit makes it an ideal addition to rock gardens or alpine plantings.
Every 7–10 days
Full sun to part shade
50–75°F
40–60%
At a glance
How do you care for Whorled Pussytoes?
Water Whorled Pussytoes every 7–10 days, letting the top layer of soil dry out between waterings, and give it full sun to part shade. It prefers temperatures of 50–75°F (10–24°C) and 40–60% humidity. Fertilize it every 2 months during the growing season.
Where Is the Whorled Pussytoes Native To?
What Is the Whorled Pussytoes?
Whorled Pussytoes (Antennaria dimorpha) belongs to the Asteraceae family within the Antennaria genus. Whorled Pussytoes is native to western Canada and the western United States as far south as Riverside County in California and Rio Arriba County in New Mexico. Whorled Pussytoes is also known as Small Pussytoes, Antennaria dimorpha.
Whorled Pussytoes displays a low-growing mat-forming perennial growth habit, reaching up to 0.5 ft tall with a spread of approximately 1.5 ft. Whorled Pussytoes produces small white or pink fluffy flowers in dense clusters.
Leaf size: approximately 1 inches.
How Often Should You Water a Whorled Pussytoes?
Antennaria dimorpha requires watering every 7–10 days. Allow the top layer of soil to dry between waterings to prevent root rot. Reduce watering frequency during winter when growth slows.
Watering Frequency
Every 7–10 days
Let soil partially dry between waterings
What Light Does the Whorled Pussytoes Need?
Whorled Pussytoes thrives in full sun to part shade.
Light Requirement
Full sun to part shade
What Temperature and Humidity Does the Whorled Pussytoes Prefer?
Antennaria dimorpha grows best at temperatures of 50–75°F. Whorled Pussytoes prefers humidity levels of 40–60%.
Temperature
50–75°F
Humidity
40–60%
What Soil Mix Works Best for a Whorled Pussytoes?
Well-draining sandy soil with good aeration. Good drainage is essential for Whorled Pussytoes to prevent waterlogging, which leads to root rot and fungal issues.
How Often Should You Fertilize a Whorled Pussytoes?
Feed Whorled Pussytoes every 2 months during the growing season (spring and summer) with a balanced fertilizer diluted to the strength on the label.
Pause feeding in autumn and winter, when growth slows, and never fertilize dry soil — water first.
Fertilizing
Every 2 months
During the growing season
The PlantoScan app can remind you when to water and when to fertilize each plant.
How Do You Repot a Whorled Pussytoes?
Divide clumps every 2-3 years in early spring. Choose a pot one size larger than the current container, and ensure it has drainage holes to allow excess water to escape.
How Do You Propagate a Whorled Pussytoes?
Whorled Pussytoes can be propagated through division, seeds. Similar propagation techniques also apply to alpine pussytoes plant care, which shares the same genus.
Is the Whorled Pussytoes Toxic to Pets and Children?
Pet safety not verified
The ASPCA does not list Whorled Pussytoes, so we can't confirm whether it is safe for cats and dogs. Keep pets from chewing it as a precaution.
This is a general caution, not veterinary or medical advice. If your pet ate a plant, contact your vet or animal poison control.
See all plants toxic to cats and plants toxic to dogs.
What Pests and Diseases Affect the Whorled Pussytoes?
Whorled Pussytoes is susceptible to aphids, spider mites. Inspect the foliage regularly, especially along leaf undersides and stems. Treat infestations promptly with insecticidal soap or neem oil to prevent spread.
Yellow leaves, brown tips or drooping? See common plant problems and how to fix them.
What USDA Hardiness Zone Does the Whorled Pussytoes Need?
Whorled Pussytoes grows outdoors in USDA Zone 4a – 8b. It survives winters down to planting zone 4a. Whorled Pussytoes is native to western Canada and the western United States as far south as Riverside County in California and Rio Arriba County in New Mexico.
Hardiness Zone
Zone 4a – 8b
Keep exploring plants
Whorled Pussytoes is one of many species covered in the complete plant care and identification guide, which groups plants by genus, attribute, and popularity.
It belongs to the Antennaria genus — compare its care with other Antennaria species on PlantoScan.
Antennaria is part of the Asteraceae plant family — browse all Asteraceae genera and species.
Whorled Pussytoes thrives in bright light and direct sun — see other bright-light plants.
More Antennaria Species
Other Antennaria species in PlantoScan's care catalogue share similar watering, light, and soil preferences:
Sources
- Scientific name & taxonomy: Antennaria dimorpha Torr. & A.Gray, family Asteraceae (first published in Fl. N. Amer. 2: 431 (1843)) — World Flora Online record, IPNI name record.
- Pet toxicity: Pet safety not verified: the ASPCA does not list Whorled Pussytoes, so we can't confirm whether it is safe for cats and dogs. Checked against the ASPCA plant list; any other toxicity note on this page comes from PlantoScan's plant database.
- Photo: Thayne Tuason, CC BY-SA 4.0, Wikimedia Commons — original.
- Hardiness zone: USDA Zone 4a – 8b, estimated from the plant's typical growing conditions.
- Care values(watering, light, temperature, humidity, soil, fertilizing): PlantoScan's plant database, filtered by automatic plausibility checks — values that fail them are hidden. How we source and check plant data.
Spotted a mistake? Email info@upvision.media with the page link — we check and correct reported errors.
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