Photo: Thayne TuasonCC BY-SA 4.0via Wikimedia Commonsresized / cropped
Shade Pussytoes Plant Care
Antennaria umbrinella Rydb.
Updated · Sources · How we source care data
With its silvery-gray woolly leaves, Antennaria umbrinella is a striking addition to any garden. Originating from the mountains of North America, this plant is a sought-after choice for collectors due to its unique texture and ability to thrive in rocky, dry conditions.
Every 7–10 days
Full sun to part shade
50–75°F
40–60%
At a glance
How do you care for Shade Pussytoes?
Water Shade 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 month during the growing season.
Where Is the Shade Pussytoes Native To?
What Is the Shade Pussytoes?
Shade Pussytoes (Antennaria umbrinella) belongs to the Asteraceae family within the Antennaria genus. Shade Pussytoes is native to southwestern Canada and the western United States as far south as Colorado, Coconino County in Arizona, and Tulare County in California). Shade Pussytoes is also known as Brown Pussytoes, Antennaria aizoides, Antennaria flavescens.
Shade 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. Shade Pussytoes produces small white or pink fluffy flowers in dense clusters.
Leaf size: approximately 1 inches.
How Often Should You Water a Shade Pussytoes?
Antennaria umbrinella 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 Shade Pussytoes Need?
Shade Pussytoes thrives in full sun to part shade.
Light Requirement
Full sun to part shade
What Temperature and Humidity Does the Shade Pussytoes Prefer?
Antennaria umbrinella grows best at temperatures of 50–75°F. Shade Pussytoes prefers humidity levels of 40–60%.
Temperature
50–75°F
Humidity
40–60%
What Soil Mix Works Best for a Shade Pussytoes?
Well-draining sandy soil with good aeration. Good drainage is essential for Shade Pussytoes to prevent waterlogging, which leads to root rot and fungal issues.
How Often Should You Fertilize a Shade Pussytoes?
Feed Shade Pussytoes every month 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 month
During the growing season
The PlantoScan app can remind you when to water and when to fertilize each plant.
How Do You Repot a Shade 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 Shade Pussytoes?
Shade Pussytoes can be propagated through division, seeds. Similar propagation techniques also apply to alpine pussytoes plant care, which shares the same genus.
Is the Shade Pussytoes Toxic to Pets and Children?
Pet safety not verified
The ASPCA does not list Shade 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 Shade Pussytoes?
Shade 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 Shade Pussytoes Need?
Shade Pussytoes grows outdoors in USDA Zone 3a – 8b. It survives winters down to planting zone 3a. Shade Pussytoes is native to southwestern Canada and the western United States as far south as Colorado, Coconino County in Arizona, and Tulare County in California).
Hardiness Zone
Zone 3a – 8b
Keep exploring plants
Shade 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.
Shade 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 umbrinella Rydb., family Asteraceae (first published in Bull. Torrey Bot. Club 24(6): 302 (1897)) — World Flora Online record, IPNI name record.
- Pet toxicity: Pet safety not verified: the ASPCA does not list Shade 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 3a – 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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