Antennaria plantaginifolia

Found in dry, sandy, rocky areas, often with poor soils, reducing competition. Grey, hairy leaves and a distinctive flower shape that leads to the common name for the genus. Seven distinct species/subspecies are listed in the NY Flora Atlas for the state, and distinguishing among them is tricky. Among the photos above are several providing helpful identification clues for A. plataginifolia from Arieh Tal: Note colony forming habit. Basal leaves large, with 3 prominent veins, upper surface leaf hairs may fall off by late season. It is easier to see leaf veins on prior-yearleaves. The plants are dioecious, with dense, unisexual, flower heads with female florets or male florets only.  To help identify Antennaria species in the field, check the gender of all of the colonies located in a particular population. In many instances, depending on the species, only plants with female (pistillate) heads are present.