Field Pussytoes

What you'll need:

Field Pussytoes seeds or small starter plants (you can find them at native plant nurseries or online)

A patch of ground or a large pot (at least 12 inches wide) if planting in containers

Sandy or well-draining soil (this plant likes it light and not too heavy with clay)

• A sunny to partly shaded spot

When to start:

Field Pussytoes are pretty low-maintenance, but the best time to plant is either in early spring or fall. Spring planting allows the roots to get established before summer heat, while fall planting gives the plant time to settle before winter.

Finding a good spot:

Field Pussytoes love sunlight but can handle a bit of shade. Look for an area that gets around 4-6 hours of sun daily. If your yard has poor soil that dries out quickly, this plant might actually do better there than most others!

Tip: Since Field Pussytoes are native to prairies and dry fields, they’re great for areas where other plants might struggle—like rocky or sandy soils.

If you have seeds:

1. Start by sprinkling seeds on the surface of the soil in your chosen spot or pot.
2. Lightly press them down into the soil but don’t bury them too deep—just enough so they make contact with the soil.
3. Water lightly to help the seeds stick, but be careful not to wash them away.
4. Keep the soil moist until you see tiny sprouts appear, which may take a couple of weeks.

If you have starter plants:

1. Dig a hole just as deep as the root ball of the plant and about twice as wide.
2. Place the plant in the hole and backfill with soil, gently patting it down around the base.
3. Water thoroughly after planting.

Spacing:

If you're planting more than one, space them about 12-18 inches apart. This gives each plant room to spread without overcrowding.

Tip: Field Pussytoes spread naturally over time, so give them some space to grow!

Watering:

• Once established, Field Pussytoes are drought-tolerant, meaning they don’t need much water. In fact, overwatering can harm them!
• Water only when the soil feels completely dry to the touch, especially during the first growing season. After that, natural rainfall should be enough unless you're experiencing a long dry spell.

Feeding time:

• These plants are very low-maintenance and don’t require fertilizer. Too much feeding can actually encourage weeds to grow around them, which could compete with your Field Pussytoes.

Sunlight and temperature:

• Field Pussytoes thrive in full sun to partial shade. They can handle both warm and cooler temperatures, making them a resilient choice for many climates.
• If you live in a particularly hot area, some afternoon shade will help keep them happy.

Minor problem solving:

• Yellow leaves? It might mean the soil is staying too wet. Make sure your soil drains well and reduce watering.
• Not spreading? Be patient! Field Pussytoes spread slowly through underground stems, so it might take a year or two to form a nice mat of foliage.
• Weeds taking over? Pull weeds carefully by hand, as Field Pussytoes don't like competition from invasive plants.

Field Pussytoes aren’t typically “harvested” for food, but you can enjoy their charming flowers in spring! The fuzzy white blooms look like little cat’s paws, hence the name "Pussytoes."

How to use them:

• You can cut a few stems with the flowers to add to floral arrangements for a unique, wildflower touch.
• Leave most of the flowers on the plant to attract pollinators like bees and butterflies, which love these native blooms.

After flowering:

Once the flowers fade, the plant will continue to grow and spread. By late summer, it might go dormant and die back slightly, but don’t worry—it will come back even stronger next spring.

Tip: If you want to collect seeds for future planting, wait until the flower heads turn brown and dry, then gently shake them over a paper bag to collect the seeds.

Q: Do Field Pussytoes attract any wildlife?

A: Yes! They’re great for attracting pollinators like bees and butterflies. In fact, they’re an important early-season nectar source for many native bee species.

Q: Can I grow Field Pussytoes in containers?

A: Absolutely! Just make sure the container has excellent drainage. These plants don’t like soggy feet, so a pot with plenty of holes and light, sandy soil works best.

Q: Will Field Pussytoes spread too much?

A: They do spread slowly via underground runners, but they’re not aggressive. You can easily control their growth by trimming back any unwanted parts.

Q: My plant looks a bit sparse—is that normal?

A: Yes! Field Pussytoes have a naturally low-growing, spreading habit. Over time, they’ll fill in and form a nice ground cover, but it might take a season or two.

Q: Is this plant deer-resistant?

A: Yes! Deer and rabbits tend to leave Field Pussytoes alone, making it a great option for gardens in areas with lots of wildlife.