Catfoot
Pseudognaphalium obtusifolium
Last reviewed: June 2026
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.
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.
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.
Does Catfoot fit your yard? Open it in Pollinator Patch to check it against your sun, soil, and HOA-conscious filters.