Common name:
Rocky mountain pussytoes
Family:
Scientific name:
Antennaria media
Main flower color:
Range:
The Rocky Mountain states, and all states to the west
Height:
Up to 5 inches
Habitat:
Rocky places in the tundra zone; 5,000 to 12,500 feet
Leaves:
Basal leaves are oblanceolate to spatulate, up to 0.8 inches long. Stem leaves are linear
Season:
July to August
Identifying features of antennaria media include the clustered flowerheads (rather than single), the small grey-hairy leaves with just one, central vein, and the dark brown phyllaries. Plants form low mats, spreading via short (less than 2 inches) stolons. Leaves grow at the base and along the erect stems; they are relatively thick, and have a sharp point at the apex. Both surfaces are evenly covered by appressed greyish hairs. Basal leaves are wider towards the top; stem leaves are narrower, equal in length and more linear in shape.
The inflorescence usually comprises between 2 and 7 flowerheads; less often up to 9. Flowerheads contain only pistils or only stamens, the latter less common. Phyllary color varies from black to brown to greenish-brown. Phyllaries and stems have a covering of white hairs. Phyllaries of pistillate flowerheads are broad and rounded at the tip, while those of staminate flowerheads are narrower and more pointed.
The inflorescence usually comprises between 2 and 7 flowerheads; less often up to 9. Flowerheads contain only pistils or only stamens, the latter less common. Phyllary color varies from black to brown to greenish-brown. Phyllaries and stems have a covering of white hairs. Phyllaries of pistillate flowerheads are broad and rounded at the tip, while those of staminate flowerheads are narrower and more pointed.
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