For gardeners interested in native plants for butterfly and pollinator gardens, rosy pussytoes is a host plant for the caterpillars (larvae) of the American Lady butterfly (Vanessa virginiensis). So do not be alarmed when you notice the black, bristly caterpillars in large numbers devouring your beautiful native wildflower. In 10 to 14 days, they will be gone and the plants will recover quite nicely. Take advantage of this teachable moment to explain the life cycle of a butterfly with a child. The awe and respect of nature is a lesson learned early in one’s life.

Pussytoes, in general, will grow in average, well-drained garden soil. It does want to be exposed to full sunlight and will not thrive if shaded by other plants. Rosy pussytoes makes a great addition to a rock garden where its groundcover growth form lends beauty and interest to your rock garden as the colonies of rosy pussytoes cascades over rocks.