Elephant's-ears
ExplorePlants
Elephant's-ears
Bergenia crassifolia
Elephant's-ears are big, leafy plants that look like giant elephant ears! They have thick, shiny leaves and beautiful pink flowers that bloom in spring.
Habitat: Urban areas
Appearance
The Elephant's-ears has large, rounded, glossy green leaves that can turn shades of red or bronze in colder weather. It displays clusters of bell-shaped flowers, typically vibrant pink or purple, held above the foliage on sturdy stems.
KingdomPlantaePhylumTracheophytaClassMagnoliopsidaOrderSaxifragalesFamilySaxifragaceaeGenusBergenia
Category
PlantsRarity
Common
Danger
1/5 · Very low
Snaps
Be the first to snap!
Interesting facts
Gardeners love it because it's super easy to grow and takes care of itself!
In some cold places, its tough leaves stay green all winter long!
Its large, round leaves look just like an elephant's ear, hence its funny name!
Parts of this plant have been used for traditional tea in its native lands.
Special abilities
Ability
Winter Wonder
Elephant's-ears leaves can change to beautiful reddish-bronze colors in cold weather, helping them survive harsh winters.
Ability
Water Wise
Elephant's-ears has thick, leathery leaves that store water, helping it thrive even when conditions are a bit dry.
Ability
Tough Traveler
Elephant's-ears can spread using underground stems, allowing it to colonize new areas and form dense clumps.
Measurements & details
- Height
- 30-60 cm
- Spread
- 30-60 cm
- Flower Size
- 1-2 cm
- Bloom Season
- Early spring to early summer
- Edible
- No
- Toxicity
- Mild
- Lifecycle
- Perennial
- Pollination Method
- Insect
Ecological connections
pollinates
European honey bee
Apis mellifera
collects nectar and pollen
pollinates
Buff-tailed bumblebee
Bombus terrestris
visits flowers for nectar
eats
Black slug
Arion ater
may chew holes in leaves
eats
Garden snail
Helix aspersa
feeds on the foliage
Traits
Flowering
Flowering plants are any plants that produce flowers as part of their reproductive cycle.
Ornamental
Ornamental plants are cultivated primarily for their aesthetic appeal, enhancing landscapes and gardens with their attractive foliage, flowers, or form.
Spring Blooming
Spring blooming plants produce their flowers during the spring season, often signifying the end of winter and the start of new growth.
Broadleaf Tree
Broadleaf trees are angiosperms characterized by flat, wide leaves that are typically shed annually in temperate climates.
Evergreen
Evergreen plants retain their foliage throughout the year, never shedding all their leaves at once.
Drought Tolerant
Drought-tolerant plants can survive and flourish in conditions with limited water availability.
Giant
Giant describes organisms or objects of significantly larger size than average for their species or type.
Urban Friendly
This habitat trait indicates species that can coexist with humans in urban and suburban environments, utilizing man-made structures and green spaces.
Also known as
BergeniaPigsqueak
Collections
Safety
Danger
1/5 · Very low
Always wash your hands after touching plants, just to be safe!
Frequently Asked Questions
How to identify Elephant's-ears?
The easiest way to identify Elephant's-ears is to use the Snappit nature identifier app.
How tall is Elephant's-ears?
30-60 cm
How wide does Elephant's-ears spread?
30-60 cm
How big are the flowers on Elephant's-ears?
1-2 cm
When does Elephant's-ears bloom?
Early spring to early summer
Is Elephant's-ears edible?
No
Is Elephant's-ears toxic?
Mild
What is Elephant's-ears's lifecycle?
Perennial
Snap Map
Zoom in to split clusters and explore where this object has been snapped.
Loading map…
Recent Snaps
Recent snaps will appear here as new observations are added.
