Mountain Everlasting

(Antennaria dioica)

Mountain Everlasting (Antennaria dioica)

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Estimated Native Range
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Summary

Antennaria dioica, commonly known as Mountain Everlasting or Cat’s Foot, is an evergreen perennial herb native to a variety of habitats including alpine and subalpine zones, dry meadows, and open grasslands across Europe and Asia. It typically grows to a height of 0.2-0.3 feet and spreads 0.8-2 feet wide. This plant forms low, dense mats with silvery foliage and bears flower heads in shades of cream, pink, and white during the spring, which are modest in size but can be quite numerous, creating a carpet of color. The flowers are dioecious, with male and female flowers on separate plants; male flowers are generally whiter than female flowers.

Mountain Everlasting is valued for its drought tolerance and ability to thrive in poor soils, making it an excellent choice for rock gardens, alpine gardens, and as ground cover in sunny, well-drained areas. It is also appreciated for its low maintenance requirements and the textural contrast its foliage provides. While it prefers full sun, it can tolerate light shade and requires minimal water once established. It is not commonly affected by diseases or pests, but overwatering can lead to root rot. Its ability to reproduce asexually through stolons or sexually by seeds allows for easy propagation and establishment in suitable conditions. However, gardeners should be aware that it may not flower as prolifically in areas with hot summers.CC BY-SA 4.0

Plant Description

  • Plant Type: Herb
  • Height: 0.2-0.3 feet
  • Width: 0.8-1.5 feet
  • Growth Rate: Slow
  • Flower Color: Cream, Pink, White
  • Flowering Season: Spring
  • Leaf Retention: Evergreen

Growth Requirements

  • Sun: Full Sun
  • Water: Low
  • Drainage: Medium, Slow

Common Uses

Bank Stabilization, Bee Garden, Bird Garden, Border Plant, Butterfly Garden, Deer Resistant, Drought Tolerant, Fire Resistant, Groundcover, Low Maintenance, Potted Plant, Rock Garden, Salt Tolerant

Natural Habitat

Alpine and subalpine zones, dry meadows, and open grasslands across Europe and Asia

Other Names

Common Names: Littleleaf Pussytoes, Cat’s-Foot, Rose Pussytoes, Stoloniferous Pussytoes, Catsfoot, Cudweed, Pussytoes, Stoloniferous Pussytoes, Kattefod, Zweihaüsiges Katzenpflötchen

Scientific Names: , Antennaria dioica, Gnaphalium dioicum, Antennaria dioica var. gallica, Antennaria parviflora, Antennaria dioica var. borealis, Antennaria dioeca, Antennaria hibernica, Antennaria dioica var. dioica, Antennaria montana

GBIF Accepted Name: Antennaria dioica (L.) Gaertn.