How much sun does Carolina Elephantsfoot need?

Carolina Elephantsfoot grows best in part sun conditions.

When does Carolina Elephantsfoot bloom?

Carolina Elephantsfoot blooms in June, July, August, September, October, and November.

Where is Carolina Elephantsfoot native?

Carolina Elephantsfoot (Elephantopus carolinianus) is native to AL, AR, DE, FL and 19 more states, per the USDA PLANTS Database and regional native plant society lists.

Is Carolina Elephantsfoot toxic to livestock?

The USDA PLANTS Database does not flag Carolina Elephantsfoot as toxic to livestock.

What pollinators does Carolina Elephantsfoot attract?

Carolina Elephantsfoot draws butterflies and bees.

Is Carolina Elephantsfoot HOA-friendly?

Carolina Elephantsfoot takes more care to look intentional in a front yard. Consider it for backyard or mid-zone beds rather than the street edge.

Carolina Elephantsfoot

Name: Pollinator Patch
Author: Pollinator Patch

Elephantopus carolinianus

Last reviewed: July 2026

The USDA PLANTS Database (opens in new tab) does not flag Carolina Elephantsfoot as toxic to livestock.

Light

part sun

Water

low

Size

12"–36" H × 24"–48" W

Bloom

Jun, Jul, Aug, Sep, Oct, Nov

Native to

AL, AR, DE, FL and 19 more states

Pollinators

butterflies, bees

Before you buy

Your city may pay you to plant this

Cities and water utilities offer rebates for replacing lawn with native and water-wise plants. We track 411 programs across 44 states, each with a link to the provider and the date we last checked it.

Find rebates in your area

Browse plants for this ecoregion

Central Oklahoma/Texas Plains Texas Blackland Prairies East Central Texas Plains Western Gulf Coastal Plain South Central Plains

Carolina Elephantsfoot is a native Texas perennial that forms low clumps of broad, textured leaves with small purple flowers clustered on branching stems. It blooms from summer through late fall, providing consistent color during the hottest months. The plant maintains its foliage through most of winter in mild climates.

In an HOA neighborhood

Carolina Elephantsfoot takes more care to keep looking intentional in a front yard. Maintenance level: low. Consider it for backyard or mid-zone beds rather than the street edge.

Works well in: backyard only.

Insufficient data for HOA assessment
Default conservative

Wildlife value

This plant attracts butterflies and bees with its long blooming period from June through November. The extended flowering season makes it particularly valuable for late-season pollinators preparing for winter.

Common questions

How much sun does Carolina Elephantsfoot need?: Carolina Elephantsfoot grows best in part sun conditions.
When does Carolina Elephantsfoot bloom?: Carolina Elephantsfoot blooms in June, July, August, September, October, and November.
Where is Carolina Elephantsfoot native?: Carolina Elephantsfoot (Elephantopus carolinianus) is native to AL, AR, DE, FL and 19 more states, per the USDA PLANTS Database and regional native plant society lists.
Is Carolina Elephantsfoot toxic to livestock?: The USDA PLANTS Database does not flag Carolina Elephantsfoot as toxic to livestock.
What pollinators does Carolina Elephantsfoot attract?: Carolina Elephantsfoot draws butterflies and bees.
Is Carolina Elephantsfoot HOA-friendly?: Carolina Elephantsfoot takes more care to look intentional in a front yard. Consider it for backyard or mid-zone beds rather than the street edge.

Native range data from the USDA PLANTS Database and regional native plant society lists. Pollinator and host plant associations compiled from GBIF, iNaturalist, and published ecological literature.

Ready to grow Carolina Elephantsfoot? Add it to your garden in Pollinator Patch to track it and get season-by-season care guidance.

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