Mountain Everlasting Antennaria dioica
ABOUT
Commonly known as the mountain everlasting, this plant is a mat-forming perennial that grows close to the ground. It is composed of a dense rosette of spoon-shaped, gray-green leaves that are covered in fine hair, giving them a silvery appearance. The leaves are basal, meaning they grow primarily at the base of the plant. The plant produces flower heads on leafless stalks that are cottony and fluffy, adding to its distinctive texture. Coming in shades of white to pale pink, the flowers are small and button-like, collected in clusters that create a soft, cushioned effect. The blooms are striking against the foliage in the growing season and are generally seen during the spring and summer months. The plant exhibits sexual dimorphism, which means the male and female flowers grow on separate plants, with the males typically being more colorful than the females. The male flowers are marked by bright, show-stopping stamens, whereas the female flowers tend to look more muted and fluffy. This combination of the felted leaves and delicate flowers give the mountain everlasting a distinctive appearance that is both rugged and delicate, suiting its alpine habitats.
About this plant
NamesFamily
Asteraceae
Synonyms
Cat's-foot, Mountain Everlasting, Cushion Pink, Stoloniferous Pussytoes
Common names
Antennaria alpina, Antennaria carpatica, Antennaria dioica subsp. alpina, Antennaria hyperborea, Antennaria norvegica, Antennaria sylvatica, Antennaria vulgaris, Antennaria alpina var. hyperborea, Antennaria alpina subsp. norvegica, Antennaria carpatica var. groenlandica, Gnaphalium dioicum.
ToxicityTo humans
Mountain everlasting is not known to be toxic to humans. There are no common reports of poisoning or adverse reactions from ingesting or handling this plant. As with any plant, individual allergies or sensitivities can occur, so it is wise to be cautious when handling plants if you are unsure of your reactions.
To pets
Mountain everlasting is not known to be toxic to pets either. There are no typical symptoms associated with poisoning from this plant, as it is not considered harmful to dogs, cats, or other domestic animals. However, it is always best to prevent pets from ingesting plants unnecessarily, and to monitor for any signs of unexpected reactions.
CharacteristicsLife cycle
Perennials
Foliage type
Evergreen
Color of leaves
Green
Flower color
White
Height
0.5 feet (15 cm)
Spread
1 foot (30 cm)
Plant type
Herb
Hardiness zones
3
Native area
Europe
Benefits
General Benefits- Ecological Value: Antennaria dioica, commonly known as Mountain Everlasting, provides nectar for pollinators such as bees and butterflies, supporting biodiversity.
- Soil Stabilization: Its root system helps stabilize soil, preventing erosion on slopes and in wild garden settings.
- Drought Resistance: Mountain Everlasting is well-suited to dry conditions, making it ideal for xeriscaping and low-water gardens.
- Aesthetic Appeal: With its small, white, woolly flowers and evergreen foliage, it adds visual interest to gardens throughout the seasons.
- Ground Cover: It serves as an effective ground cover, suppressing weeds and covering bare spots with its mat-forming growth habit.
- Wildlife Habitat: The plant provides shelter for small insects and animals, contributing to a healthy ecosystem.
- Low Maintenance: It requires minimal care once established, making it a convenient choice for gardeners seeking low-maintenance landscapes.
Medical Properties- This plant is not used for medical purposes.
Air-purifying QualitiesThis plant is not specifically known for air purifying qualities.
Other Uses- Antennaria dioica, commonly known as mountain everlasting, has been used as a filling for pillows and bedding due to its soft and fluffy flowers and leaves.
- The plant's durable nature allows it to be used in creating traditional crafts, such as hand-woven mats and baskets, in some cultures.
- The wool-like flower clusters can serve as tinder for starting fires in survival situations, as they catch fire easily when dry.
- Mountain everlasting is occasionally used as a natural dye for wool, producing muted and earthy tones.
- In landscaping, this low-growing perennial is utilized for rock gardens or as a ground cover to prevent soil erosion.
- The plant has been used in ornamental dried flower arrangements due to the longevity of its blooms even after cutting.
- Mountain everlasting is planted in pollinator-friendly gardens to attract bees, butterflies, and other beneficial insects with its nectar-rich flowers.
- Some cultures might practice using the plant as a natural insect repellent, putting dried plants among linen to ward off moths.
- The foliage has been reportedly used as a natural stuffing for small dolls or playthings in traditional handcrafts.
- In its native habitats, mountain everlasting is sometimes used as a soil indicator plant, signifying well-drained and poor nutrient soils.
Interesting Facts
Feng ShuiThe Catsfoot is not used in Feng Shui practice.
Zodiac Sign CompitabilityThe Catsfoot is not used in astrology practice.
Plant Symbolism- Maternal Love: Antennaria dioica, commonly known as Pussytoes, often symbolizes maternal love and care due to its fuzzy, soft flowers that resemble a cat's paws.
- Nurturance: The plant's growing patterns and how it forms a mat-like ground cover can represent nurturing protection and enveloping love.
- Survival: As Pussytoes thrive in poor soils and harsh conditions, they often symbolize survival, resilience, and adaptability.
- Calmness: The soft, subtle appearance of the flowers can evoke feelings of calm and serenity, symbolizing peace and tranquility.
- Independence: Because Antennaria dioica is dioecious, with separate male and female plants, it can symbolize the importance of independence and self-sufficiency.
WaterFor the Cushion Foot, it's important to maintain slightly moist soil conditions without over-watering. Give the plant a thorough watering once every week or two, depending on weather conditions; more often in hot, dry spells and less frequently during cooler, damp periods. When watering, apply approximately half a gallon around the base of the plant, ensuring the water penetrates the soil to reach the roots. Avoid waterlogging as this can lead to root rot. It’s essential to provide good drainage to prevent excess water from accumulating around the roots.
LightThe ideal lighting condition for Cushion Foot is full sun to partial shade. The best spot for this plant would be in an area where it receives direct sunlight for at least six hours a day. However, it's also tolerant to light shade, especially in areas with hot afternoon sun. Ensure it's not in deep shade, as this will affect its growth and flowering potential.
TemperatureCushion Foot plants prefer cooler conditions and thrive in a temperature range between 50 and 75 degrees Fahrenheit. They can survive minimal temperatures down to about -30 degrees Fahrenheit, but growth will be inhibited if temperatures rise consistently above 75 degrees Fahrenheit. Ideal growth is observed within the moderate temperature band.
PruningPruning Cushion Foot, also known as Catsfoot, primarily involves deadheading spent flowers to encourage further blooming and to maintain a tidy appearance. Pruning should be done after the first flowering, typically in early to mid-summer. This can stimulate a second bloom and can help prevent self-seeding if desired. Also remove damaged or dead foliage as needed to promote healthy growth.
CleaningAs needed
SoilThe best soil mix for Mountain Everlasting should be well-draining with a mix of sand, peat, and loam. It prefers slightly acidic to neutral pH levels, around 5.5 to 7.0.
RepottingMountain Everlasting does not require frequent repotting and can be done every 2-3 years or when the plant outgrows its container.
Humidity & MistingMountain Everlasting prefers low to moderate humidity levels and can tolerate drier conditions typical of its native alpine habitats.
Suitable locationsIndoor
Place in bright, indirect light and in a cool room.
Outdoor
Needs full sun, well-drained soil, and space to spread.
Hardiness zone
3-8 USDA
Life cycleMountain everlasting (Antennaria dioica) begins its life as a seed, which, after dispersal, germinates in well-draining soil when conditions are favorable, typically in the spring. The seedling emerges and develops into a rosette of basal leaves, from which roots establish to support nutrient and water uptake. As it matures, the plant forms stolons—horizontal above-ground runners—that allow vegetative propagation and the creation of a clonal colony. The following spring or summer, flowering stems grow, and the plant exhibits dioecy, with separate male and female plants producing small, daisy-like flowers that are pollinated by insects. After pollination, the female flowers develop into fruits called achenes, which are equipped with plumes that facilitate wind dispersal. The plant then enters a period of dormancy during winter, completing its annual cycle, ready to begin anew the following growing season.
PropogationPropogation time
Spring
Propogation: The most popular method for propagating Mountain Everlasting, or Antennaria dioica, involves division. The best time for this practice is either in the spring as new growth appears, or in the fall after the blooming period has ended. To propagate by division, carefully dig up the plant, ensuring you take a good amount of the root system with it. Gently split the plant into smaller sections, each with several shoots and a portion of the root system attached. Replant these divisions at the same depth they were growing at originally and water them well. Space them about 8 to 12 inches (approximately 20 to 30 centimeters) apart to allow sufficient room for growth. It is crucial to keep the soil moist until the divisions have established themselves, which typically takes a few weeks.
