Elephantopus mollis, commonly known as tobacco weed or soft elephantsfoot, is a perennial herb that is native to a variety of habitats including tropical forests, grasslands, and disturbed areas in South America, the West Indies, Central America, and Mexico, extending as far north as Tamaulipas and Nuevo León. It has also become naturalized in regions such as Australia, southeastern Asia, some Pacific Islands, and tropical Africa. This plant typically grows to a height of 30-60 cm (12-24 inches) and is characterized by its rosette of large, soft leaves and small, purplish flowers that bloom in late summer to fall. The flowers are not particularly showy, but they do attract pollinators such as bees and butterflies.

Tobacco weed is valued for its drought tolerance and adaptability to various soil conditions, making it a low-maintenance option for gardeners. It is often used in naturalistic plantings and as a ground cover in tropical and subtropical gardens. However, due to its potential invasiveness, it should be planted with caution and monitored for unwanted spread. In cultivation, it prefers full sun to part shade and can tolerate a range of soil types, provided they are well-drained.CC BY-SA 4.0