Elephant's Foot
Elephantopus tomentosus
Last reviewed: July 2026
Elephantopus tomentosus is a native wildflower found throughout the southeastern United States that blooms from September through November. This drought-tolerant forb attracts butterflies and bees with its small purple flower heads.
Light
full sun
Water
low
Size
3"–24" H × 3"–24" W
Bloom
Sep, Oct, Nov
Native to
AL, AR, FL, GA and 8 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 areaElephant's Foot is a low-growing native perennial that forms compact clumps of soft, fuzzy leaves. It produces small purple flowers in late summer and fall, then goes dormant in winter. This drought-tolerant plant thrives in sunny spots with minimal water once established.
Growing Elephant's Foot
Grow Elephant's Foot in full sun and low water. Mature plants reach 3 to 24 inches tall and spread 3 to 24 inches wide. Expect low maintenance to keep it looking intentional in a front yard.
In an HOA neighborhood
Elephant's Foot is an HOA-friendly choice. Maintenance level: low. Tidiness: 2 out of 5.
Works well in: front yard, foundation, street edge, mid zone.
Wildlife value
The fall blooms provide nectar for butterflies and bees during a season when many other flowers have finished. It serves as a host plant for some native butterfly species.
Common questions
- When does Elephantopus tomentosus bloom?
- Elephant's Foot blooms from September through November, providing late-season nectar when many other wildflowers have finished flowering.
- What pollinators visit Elephantopus tomentosus?
- This native wildflower attracts both butterflies and bees, making it valuable for late-season pollinator support in southeastern gardens.
- Where is Elephant's Foot native?
- Elephantopus tomentosus is native to 15 southeastern states including Alabama, Arkansas, Florida, Georgia, Kentucky, Louisiana, Maryland, Mississippi, North Carolina, Oklahoma, South Carolina, Tennessee, Texas, and Virginia.
- What growing conditions does Elephantopus tomentosus prefer?
- This native forb thrives in full sun to partial sun with low to moderate water requirements, making it well-suited for naturalized areas and drought-tolerant landscapes.
- Is Elephant's Foot HOA-friendly?
- Elephant's Foot is generally an HOA-friendly choice in the right placement, with low maintenance.
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 Elephant's Foot? Add it to your garden in Pollinator Patch to track it and get season-by-season care guidance.
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