Small-leaf pussytoes
Antennaria parvifolia
Small-leaf pussytoes (Antennaria parvifolia) is a Colorado-native groundcover suited to the Colorado Front Range. It matures to about 2–5 in tall and 8–15 in wide, needs low water, and prefers full sun. Native silvery mat with fuzzy white flowers. Tough as nails.
Colorado nativeOn the CSU listlow water2–5 in tall and 8–15 in wideXeric / water-wiseDeer-resistant
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At a glance
- Botanical name
- Antennaria parvifolia
- Type
- Groundcover
- Mature size
- 2–5 in tall and 8–15 in wide
- Planting spacing
- ~10–15 in apart
- Growth habit
- Mat-forming
- Foot traffic
- Light foot traffic
- Winter cover
- Strong winter cover
- Lawn alternative
- No-mow lawn alternative
- Hardiness zones
- USDA 3–8
- Water needs
- low water
- Sun
- Best in full sun.
- Colorado native
- Yes
- Foliage
- Evergreen
- Soil
- sandy, loam, well drained only
- Soil pH
- 6.5–8.5
- Hail tolerance
- high
- Wind tolerance
- high
- Salt tolerance
- moderate
- Firewise (defensible space)
- Zones 1–3 (can be planted near the house)
- Bloom color
- white
- Bloom time
- late spring, early summer
- Pollinator value
- moderate
- Site uses
- Hellstrips / parking strips, Slopes & erosion control
Wildlife & ecology
- Pollinator value
- moderate
- Deer
- Generally deer-resistant
- Native ecoregion
- shortgrass prairie, foothills
Using Small-leaf pussytoes as a groundcover
Small-leaf pussytoes forms a low mat. It fills in to a moderately dense cover. It takes light foot traffic, fine to step across occasionally, but not a play-lawn. It holds strong cover through Front Range winters, so the ground doesn't go bare. On a slope it helps knit the soil together and control erosion.
Planting & establishment
Native, minimal water after establishment. Silvery foliage stays through winter.
Frequently asked questions
- Is Small-leaf pussytoes good for the Colorado Front Range?
- Yes, Small-leaf pussytoes is a well-suited groundcover for Colorado's Front Range.
- How big does Small-leaf pussytoes get?
- It matures to about 2–5 in tall and 8–15 in wide.
- How far apart do I plant Small-leaf pussytoes?
- Space Small-leaf pussytoes about 10 in apart for a faster, fuller cover, or up to 15 in apart for a looser planting.
- Is Small-leaf pussytoes hardy on the Front Range?
- Small-leaf pussytoes is hardy in USDA 3–8. The Colorado Front Range spans roughly USDA 4b–6a, so it is well within range.
- How much water does Small-leaf pussytoes need?
- It needs low water once established.
- Is Small-leaf pussytoes native to Colorado?
- Yes. It is a Colorado native.
- Is Small-leaf pussytoes deer-resistant?
- Small-leaf pussytoes is generally considered deer-resistant, though no plant is deer-proof when browse pressure is high.
- Is Small-leaf pussytoes a good firewise plant near the house?
- Small-leaf pussytoes is a lower-fuel choice suitable in defensible-space zones 1–3, it can be planted near the house when kept well irrigated and maintained. This is general suitability guidance based on CSU Extension firewise plant lists, not a guarantee that any plant won't burn, a well-irrigated, well-maintained plant is the goal. Follow CSU Extension defensible-space guidance and check with your local fire district before planting in the wildland-urban interface.
- Can you walk on Small-leaf pussytoes?
- Small-leaf pussytoes takes light foot traffic. You can step across it occasionally, but it won't hold up as a play-lawn.
- Can Small-leaf pussytoes replace a lawn?
- Yes, Small-leaf pussytoes works as a no-mow lawn alternative on the Front Range. Expect a season or two of weeding and watering while it fills in before it reads as a lawn replacement.
- Will Small-leaf pussytoes spread or stay put?
- Small-leaf pussytoes is mat-forming. Give it room to fill in and edit the edges to keep it where you want it.
- Does Small-leaf pussytoes stay green in winter?
- Small-leaf pussytoes holds strong cover through Front Range winters, so the ground stays protected rather than going bare.
- Is Small-leaf pussytoes good for a slope?
- Yes. Small-leaf pussytoes helps hold soil on Front Range slopes and control erosion once its roots knit in.
