06/05/2026
Introducing a City Natives favorite: pussytoes! Plantain-leaved pussytoes (Antennaria plantaginifolia) is native to much of eastern North America and serves as the host plant for painted lady butterflies.
Upon first glance, some of the leaves of pussytoes may look damaged at this time of year, and gardeners might be tempted to remove insects that are eating the foliage. Look closely and you will see leaves fashioned into tents to protect tiny eggs, and multiple stages of painted lady caterpillars nibbling the leaves. Native plant gardening recognizes that the healthiest plants are the ones in relationship with other living things. Creating habitat for pollinators goes beyond flowers— native plants feed and shelter pollinators at all stages of their life cycles.
Even if you’re not a painted lady caterpillar, there’s a lot to love about pussytoes. This plant grows low and spreads to make an excellent ground cover in sunny areas with dry, rocky soil— perfect for that strip of soil between the sidewalk and the road. In early spring, clusters of fuzzy flowers rise above the foliage and resemble kitten paws, adding whimsy and an early-season nectar source to your garden.
City Natives Nursery will be open this summer on Saturdays 10am-2pm to shop our selection of native plants! (The pussytoes pictured here were potted up today and will be available for sale in July)
