Stoloniferous pussytoes (Antennaria flagellaris) COSEWIC assessment and status report: chapter 6
Biology
Little information is available on the biology and ecology of Antennaria flagellaris in British Columbia. Only basic reproductive facts have been compiled about the species.
Antennaria flagellaris is a short-lived, dioecious perennial (male and female structures on separate plants). The species is wind-pollinated and produces seeds sexually by outcrossing (Bayer 1996). The numerous hair-like bristles of the mature achenes facilitate its dispersal by wind. Plants also reproduce vegetatively by producing stolons that terminate in plantlets. Initially, the mother plant provides the plantlet with nutrients via the stolon. The genetically identical plantlets eventually become independent plants as stolons are severed over time. This mode of reproduction results in very restricted dispersal, as stolons only grow up to 10 cm long (Douglas 1998).
The fruits consist of single-seeded achenes. There is no specific information on survival and longevity of the species or on aspects of its physiology or adaptability.
The ability of this species to persist, and produce fruits well after the calcareous soils lose most of their moisture is impressive, especially considering the shallow root systems. In most areas, where severe drought takes place annually, most of the plants have taproots.
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