Catfoot
Pseudognaphalium obtusifolium
Last reviewed: June 2026
Pseudognaphalium obtusifolium (Catfoot) is a native forb blooming July through September across eastern and central United States. This drought-tolerant wildflower attracts bees, butterflies, and beetles with its small white flower clusters.
Light
full sun
Water
low
Size
12"–24" H × 6"–12" W
Bloom
Jul, Aug, Sep
Native to
AL, AR, CT, DE and 30 more states
Pollinators
bees, butterflies, beetles
Browse plants for this ecoregion
Rabbit tobacco is a native annual wildflower with soft, woolly gray-green foliage and clusters of small white flowers in late summer. This compact plant has a somewhat informal appearance and readily self-seeds in sunny, dry locations. It's valued for its drought tolerance and late-season blooms when many other flowers have finished.
Growing Catfoot
Grow Catfoot in full sun and low water. Mature plants reach 12 to 24 inches tall and spread 6 to 12 inches wide. Expect low maintenance to keep it looking intentional in a front yard.
In an HOA neighborhood
Catfoot takes more care to keep looking intentional in a front yard. Maintenance level: low. Consider it for backyard or mid-zone beds rather than the street edge.
Works well in: backyard only.
- Looks wild and weedy to most people
- Self-seeds aggressively and can appear weedy
- Common name 'rabbit tobacco' may raise concerns
Wildlife value
Provides nectar for bees, butterflies, and beetles during late summer when few other flowers are blooming. The seeds are eaten by small birds and the plant serves as a host for some moth caterpillars.
Common questions
- When does Pseudognaphalium obtusifolium bloom?
- Catfoot blooms from July through September, producing clusters of small white flowers that attract various pollinators.
- What pollinators visit Catfoot?
- Bees, butterflies, and beetles are common visitors to Pseudognaphalium obtusifolium flowers during the summer and early fall blooming period.
- Where is Pseudognaphalium obtusifolium native?
- Catfoot is native to much of eastern and central North America, from Maine south to Florida and west to Minnesota, Kansas, and Texas.
- What growing conditions does Catfoot prefer?
- This native forb thrives in full sun to partial sun with low to moderate water requirements, making it well-suited for dry, sunny locations.
- Is Catfoot HOA-friendly?
- Catfoot takes more care to look intentional in a front yard. Consider it for backyard or mid-zone beds rather than the street edge.
Native range data from the USDA PLANTS Database and regional native plant society lists. Pollinator and host plant associations compiled from GBIF, iNaturalist, and published ecological literature.
Ready to grow Catfoot? Add it to your garden in Pollinator Patch to track it and get season-by-season care guidance.
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