Nuttall's Pussytoes
Antennaria parvifolia
Last reviewed: June 2026
Antennaria parvifolia (Nuttall's Pussytoes) is a low-growing native wildflower found across western and central North America. This drought-tolerant perennial blooms white flowers from May through July and attracts bees and beetles.
Light
full sun
Water
low
Size
2"–10" H × 4"–12" W
Bloom
May, Jun, Jul
Native to
AZ, CO, IA, ID and 13 more states
Pollinators
bees, beetles
Browse plants for this ecoregion
Nuttall's pussytoes is a low-growing native groundcover with soft, silvery-gray foliage that stays attractive year-round. It produces small clusters of white, fuzzy flowers from May through July that resemble tiny cat paws. This drought-tolerant plant spreads slowly to form neat mats, making it excellent for rock gardens and dry slopes.
Growing Nuttall's Pussytoes
Grow Nuttall's Pussytoes in full sun and low water. Mature plants reach 2 to 10 inches tall and spread 4 to 12 inches wide. Expect low maintenance to keep it looking intentional in a front yard.
In an HOA neighborhood
Nuttall's Pussytoes is an HOA-friendly choice. Maintenance level: low. Tidiness: 4 out of 5.
Works well in: front yard, foundation, street edge, mid zone.
Wildlife value
The flowers attract native bees and beetles during the summer blooming period. The evergreen foliage provides year-round habitat for small insects and ground-dwelling creatures.
Common questions
- Where does Antennaria parvifolia naturally grow?
- Nuttall's Pussytoes is native to 17 western and central states including Arizona, Colorado, Idaho, Montana, Nevada, Oregon, Utah, Washington, Wyoming, and several Great Plains states.
- When does Nuttall's Pussytoes bloom?
- Antennaria parvifolia typically flowers from May through July, producing small white clustered blooms that attract various pollinators.
- What pollinators visit Antennaria parvifolia?
- Nuttall's Pussytoes attracts bees and beetles as its primary pollinators during the summer blooming period.
- How much water does Nuttall's Pussytoes need?
- This native forb is adapted to low water conditions and is considered drought tolerant once established, making it suitable for xeriscaping and natural landscapes.
- Is Nuttall's Pussytoes HOA-friendly?
- Nuttall's Pussytoes is generally an HOA-friendly choice in the right placement, with low maintenance.
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 Nuttall's Pussytoes? Add it to your garden in Pollinator Patch to track it and get season-by-season care guidance.
Not sure where to start? Take the 2-minute yard quiz