Elephantopus spp.
Elephant's Feet
Tropical and subtropical regions worldwide, centered in the Americas
Overview
Elephantopus spp. is a genus of about 30 perennial herbs in the daisy family (Asteraceae), distributed across tropical and warm-temperate regions, with the greatest concentration in the Americas and additional species in Asia and Africa. Plants form a flat basal rosette of oblong to spoon-shaped leaves that lie close to the ground, the trait behind the common name elephant's foot. From the rosette rises a branched, hairy flowering stem 1-3 ft (30-90 cm) tall. The small heads each hold about four tubular florets grouped into tight clusters wrapped by leafy bracts. Floret color ranges from pale lavender and pink-purple to white across the genus. In North America, E. carolinianus, E. tomentosus, and E. elatus grow in open woodland, clearings, and roadsides of the southeastern United States, while E. scaber is widespread through tropical Asia. The foliage is coarse-textured and covered in stiff hairs, which limits browsing. Bloom occurs from mid-summer into autumn. Plants tolerate poor, dry soils and periodic disturbance but spread slowly and carry a sparse floral display compared with larger-flowered members of the family. Seeds bear a short pappus of bristles that aids wind dispersal. Most species occupy a narrow ecological niche and are uncommon in cultivation, appearing more often in native-plant and restoration settings than in ornamental borders.
Native Range
The genus is native to tropical and subtropical regions worldwide, centered in the Americas. North American species occur through the southeastern United States, and E. scaber ranges across tropical Asia, Africa, and Australia.Suggested Uses
Used in native-plant gardens, woodland edges, and restoration plantings across the southeastern United States. The low rosette suits the front of informal beds, spaced 12-18 in (30-45 cm) apart. Seed heads draw small seed-eating birds in autumn.How to Identify
Appearance
Size & Dimensions
Height1' - 3'
Width/Spread1' - 2'
Bloom Information
Detailed Descriptions
Flower Description
lavender to whiteFoliage Description
greenGrowing Conditions
Sun Requirements
Requires 4-8 hours of direct sunlight daily
• Full Sun: 6+ hours of direct sunlight
• Partial Shade: 3-6 hours of direct sunlight
• Full Shade: Less than 3 hours of direct sunlight