There are more than 40 types of Pussytoes whose colored tips resemble kitten toes! They are part of the genus of Antennaria in the Aster Family and are native to the Northern Hemisphere with the highest species diversity in North America. Small Leaf Pussytoes are usually used today as a ground cover and are prized for their small silvery leaves. Found in the western part of the United States, many Native American communities found medicinal uses for this delicate slowly spreading herb.
Anternnaria parvifolia or small-leaved pussytoes are low-growing mat-forming perennials. They have distinctive silver-green leaves that are due to the dense white hairs on their leaves. What makes this plant different from others in this genus is that the white hairs on the leaves rarely erode away except in very old leaves. The plant has spoon-shaped basal rosette leaves at the base of the stem as well as linear-shaped leaves distributed along the flowering stem, called cauline leaves. There are two to seven flowering heads on the top of the stem that are clustered closely together and made up of many tiny flowers. Female and male plants have a set of overlapping bracts that surround the flower head with tips that can be white, pink, green, red, or brown. The female bracts are larger than the male. Small leaf pussytoes grow best in open habitats on dry soil where they can get plenty of sun. They are spread by above-ground stems and seeds produced by female plants. The seed has a pappus of whitish bristles ringing the top of the seed.
Medicinal and Ceremonial Uses
Many Native American tribes used Small Leaf Pussy Toes to treat liver inflammation, hepatitis symptoms, and skin sores. For example, the Lakota created a poultice of the entire plant to treat swellings. They also chewed the tips like tobacco or gum. The Cherokee used this plant to make medicinal tea for gastrointestinal problems and to aid digestion. The Navajo chewed the plant with deer or sheep tallow as a blood purifier and also used the greens in foods. The Navajo Ramah used this plant ceremonially to treat a mad coyote bite. In witchcraft, they made a cold infusion of the root and drank it as protection from witches.
Did You Know...
Another name for Small Leaf Pussytoes is Nuttall's pussytoes.
The Lakota Medicine Men called this plant "Eagle Medicine."
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