Carolina Elephantsfoot
(Elephantopus carolinianus)
Carolina Elephantsfoot (Elephantopus carolinianus)
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Krzysztof Ziarnek, Kenraiz
CC BY-SA 4.0
Image By:
Krzysztof Ziarnek, Kenraiz
Recorded By:
Copyright:
CC BY-SA 4.0
Copyright Notice:
Photo by: Krzysztof Ziarnek, Kenraiz | License Type: CC BY-SA 4.0 | License URL: https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-sa/4.0 | Uploader: Kenraiz | Publisher: Wikimedia Commons | Title: Elephantopus_carolinianus_kz2.jpg | Notes: |
Estimated Native Range
Summary
Elephantopus carolinianus, commonly known as Carolina Elephantsfoot, is a perennial herb native to the open woodlands and forest edges of the Southeastern USA. This species typically grows up to 120 cm (4 feet) tall, with a basal rosette of elliptic or ovate to lanceolate leaves that are up to 12 cm (5 inches) long. The leaves are darker on the upper side than on the lower side, contributing to the plant’s visual interest. From August to October, Carolina Elephantsfoot produces numerous small flower heads in a tight cluster, each head with 4-5 florets that are not particularly showy but add a subtle charm to the plant’s appearance.
Carolina Elephantsfoot is valued for its foliage texture and the late-season flowers that can provide interest in a garden setting. It is often used in naturalistic plantings, wildflower gardens, and as a border plant. This herb is adaptable to a range of soil types, from well-drained to moist, and prefers full sun to part shade. While it is not known for significant pest or disease issues, it can be sensitive to overwatering or poor drainage.CC BY-SA 4.0
Carolina Elephantsfoot is valued for its foliage texture and the late-season flowers that can provide interest in a garden setting. It is often used in naturalistic plantings, wildflower gardens, and as a border plant. This herb is adaptable to a range of soil types, from well-drained to moist, and prefers full sun to part shade. While it is not known for significant pest or disease issues, it can be sensitive to overwatering or poor drainage.CC BY-SA 4.0
Plant Description
- Plant Type: Herb
- Height: 1-2 feet
- Width: 2-3 feet
- Growth Rate: Rapid
- Flower Color: Pink, Purple
- Flowering Season: Summer
- Leaf Retention: Deciduous
Growth Requirements
- Sun: Full Sun, Part Shade
- Water: Medium
- Drainage: Fast, Medium, Slow
Common Uses
Butterfly Garden, Drought Tolerant, Low Maintenance
Natural Habitat
Native to open woodlands and forest edges in the Southeastern USA
Other Names
Common Names: Leafy Elephant’s Foot
Scientific Names: , Elephantopus carolinianus, Elephantopus carolinianus f. vestitus, Elephantopus carolinianus f. carolinianus, Elephantopus carolinianus var. carolinianus, Elephantopus carolinianus var. violaceus, Elephantopus flexuosus, Elephantopus scaber var. caeruleus, Elephantopus scaber var. carolinianus, Elephantopus violaceus,
GBIF Accepted Name: Elephantopus carolinianus Raeusch.