leafy elephant's-foot
ExplorePlants
leafy elephant's-foot
Elephantopus carolinianus
The leafy elephant's-foot is a fun plant with big, fuzzy leaves that look like elephant feet! It grows in sunny places and can be found in fields and along roadsides.
Habitat: Grasslands
Appearance
The leafy elephant's-foot has broad, hairy, oval leaves clustered near the base and along its upright stems. Its small, purple-pink, thistle-like flowers are grouped in tight, branched clusters at the top, creating a fuzzy, star-shaped appearance.
KingdomPlantaePhylumTracheophytaClassMagnoliopsidaOrderAsteralesFamilyAsteraceaeGenusElephantopus
Category
PlantsRarity
Common
Danger
1/5 · Very low
Snaps
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Interesting facts
Its name comes from its large, rough leaves, which look like an elephant's foot!
Some related 'elephant's-foot' plants were traditionally used in herbal medicines!
This plant is a favorite snack for deer, who munch its leaves, but it usually grows back!
Tiny purple flowers work together to create a showy, eye-catching bloom cluster!
Special abilities
Ability
Fuzzy Shield
The leafy elephant's-foot has hairy leaves that help it reduce water loss and deter some hungry insects.
Ability
Teamwork Blooms
Its tiny flowers grow in tight clusters surrounded by protective bracts, making a bigger target for pollinators.
Ability
Deep Anchors
The leafy elephant's-foot has a strong root system that helps it survive dry periods and stay firmly in place.
Measurements & details
- Height
- 30-100 cm
- Spread
- 20-40 cm
- Flower Size
- 0.5-1 cm
- Bloom Season
- Summer-fall
- Edible
- No
- Toxicity
- None
- Lifecycle
- Perennial
- Pollination Method
- Insect
Ecological connections
pollinates
European honey bee
Apis mellifera
Visits flowers for nectar and pollen.
pollinates
Monarch butterfly
Danaus plexippus
Feeds on nectar, aiding in plant reproduction.
eaten by
White-tailed deer
Odocoileus virginianus
Commonly browses on its leaves and stems.
Traits
Furry
Furry describes animals possessing a dense covering of soft hair or fur.
Flowering
Flowering plants are any plants that produce flowers as part of their reproductive cycle.
Summer Blooming
Summer blooming plants produce their flowers during the summer season, often providing vibrant color when many other plants have finished.
Broadleaf Tree
Broadleaf trees are angiosperms characterized by flat, wide leaves that are typically shed annually in temperate climates.
Grassland
Grassland habitats are terrestrial biomes dominated by grasses and herbaceous plants, supporting a variety of grazing animals.
Pollinator Magnet
Describes plants that are particularly attractive and beneficial to a wide range of pollinating organisms.
Also known as
No aliases listed yet.
Collections
Safety
Danger
1/5 · Very low
Always look but don't touch plants unless you know they are safe.
Frequently Asked Questions
How to identify leafy elephant's-foot?
The easiest way to identify leafy elephant's-foot is to use the Snappit nature identifier app.
How tall is leafy elephant's-foot?
30-100 cm
How wide does leafy elephant's-foot spread?
20-40 cm
How big are the flowers on leafy elephant's-foot?
0.5-1 cm
When does leafy elephant's-foot bloom?
Summer-fall
Is leafy elephant's-foot edible?
No
Is leafy elephant's-foot toxic?
None
What is leafy elephant's-foot's lifecycle?
Perennial
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