English
Pussytoes
Latin
Antennaria plantaginifolia
Anishinaabemowin
gangigebagoons (Zichmanis & Hodgins: kagigaebugohnse)
Physical Description
Pussytoes is a perennial with a woolly stem that grows from 4 to 16 inches high and forms dense mats. The spoon-shaped basal leaves are dull green and hairy above, with 3 to 7 prominent veins beneath. The stem leaves are lance-shaped, and smaller and fewer than the basal leaves. From April to June the white flowers bloom in small heads at the top of the stem. It is difficult to distinguish the many species of pussytoes, as they all have the same general appearance. This species of pussytoes grows in dry soils of woods, fields, and pastures.
(Plants used by the Great Lakes Ojibwa)
(Plants used by the Great Lakes Ojibwa)
Uses & Preparation
Traditional medicinal uses included preparing the plant in unspecified ways for stomach aches and as an expectorant.
(Plants used by the Great Lakes Ojibwa)
(Plants used by the Great Lakes Ojibwa)
Sources
Plants used by the Great Lakes Ojibwa, Meeker, Elias and Heim, Great Lakes Indian Fish and Wildlife Commission, Odanah, WI, 1993