Are Pussytoes Really Flowers?

Rosy Pussytoes (Antennaria rosea) are one of my favorite wildflowers. You might ask why, since they're pretty small in every aspect. I love them because they are tough little buggers and can grow in extreme habitats. I can't tell you how many times I have been hiking in rocky, mountainous terrain and been delighted by their sweet, pink nodding flowers. They also grow throughout our valley in the forest and grasslands.

Rosy pussytoes are in the Composite Family (Asteraceae). Flowers in this family are usually composed of a "composite" of two different flowers – ray and disk– and sometimes, just...