Elephantopus carolinianus

Common Names

Carolina Elephantsfoot, Leafy Elephant's Foot

Summary

Carolina elephantsfoot is a herbaceous perennial native to the eastern United States, typically 1–3 feet tall with large basal leaves that form a ground-cover effect; it bears dense clusters of flower heads on branched stems, each head containing 2–5 lavender to white disc florets, and blooms from July through October.

It grows in moderately moist, well-drained soil and tolerates dry to medium moisture, with a preference for sun to part shade; hardy in USDA zones 4–9, it is easy to grow and can establish by forming colonies, making it suitable as ground cover in native plant gardens, meadows, and woodland settings, though it can spread aggressively and may require space or thinning. Propagation is by seed, surface sow onto cool soil with no special treatment; it provides wildlife value by nectar for butterflies and moths, and experiences no serious insect or disease problems.

Lifecycle

Perennial

Height

12-36 inches

Spread

2-3 feet

Hardiness Zones

Zones 4a-9b

Sunlight Requirements

Ideally partial sun to partial shade.

Soil Type

Well-drained sandy soil

Soil Drainage

Well-drained soil

Soil pH

5.0-7.2, Moderately acid to neutral

Bloom Color

Lavender to White

Bloom Time

Summer to Fall

Foliage Color

Dark green

Fall Foliage Color

Dark Green, Maroonish

Leaf Lifecycle

Deciduous

Growth Rate

Rapid

Seasons of Interest

Summer and Fall

Propagation Methods

Seeds

Attracts Wildlife

Attracts bees, butterflies, and other pollinators