Elephantopus carolinianus (Carolina Elephant’s Foot)

Elephantopus carolinianus, otherwise known as Carolina Elephant’s Foot, is a wildflower native to the United States found in Alabama, Arkansas, District of Columbia, Delaware, Florida, Georgia, Illinois, Indiana, Kansas, Kentucky, Louisiana, Maryland, Missouri, Mississippi, North Carolina, New Jersey, Ohio, Oklahoma, Pennsylvania, South Carolina, Tennessee, Texas, Virginia and West Virginia. This wildflower is part of the Asteraceae family and has unique characteristics that make it an interesting addition to any wildflower garden.

At first glance, Elephantopus carolinianus looks like a large mound of green foliage with small white flowers on top. The plant grows between one and two feet tall depending on the soil type, sunlight and water availability. The green foliage is covered with short hairs which give it a soft texture.

The white flowers of Elephantopus carolinianus contain several yellow centers that are attractive to pollinators. These flower heads are found in clusters at the top of each stem and can bloom for up to two months. The flowers are also edible, so these wildflowers make a great addition to salads and other dishes.

Overall, Elephantopus carolinianus is an easy-to-grow wildflower that adds beauty and interest to any garden. Its unique foliage and long blooming period makes it the perfect plant for any wildflower lover. Not only is this plant hardy and easy to maintain, but it also provides a great source of food for pollinators like bees and butterflies. So if you’re looking for an easy-to-care-for wildflower native to the US.

Elephantopus carolinianus Information

FamilyAsteraceae
Common NamesCarolina Elephant’s Foot
Native to USAAL, AR, DC, DE, FL, GA, IL, IN, KS, KY, LA, MD, MO, MS, NC, NJ, OH, OK, PA, SC, TN, TX, VA, WV
SizeAbout 4 feet tall

Frequently Asked Questions

Is Elephantopus carolinianus edible?

Yes, Elephantopus carolinianus is edible for humans. The white flowers of this wildflower contain several yellow centers that are edible and can be added to salads or other dishes.

Is Elephantopus carolinianus an invasive species of plant?

No, Elephantopus carolinianus is not an invasive species of plant. This wildflower is native to the United States and can be found in Alabama, Arkansas, District of Columbia, Delaware, Florida, Georgia, Illinois, Indiana, Kansas, Kentucky and more.