Pink-elephants
Pedicularis groenlandica
Last reviewed: August 2026
Toxicity unknown
Pink-elephants (Pedicularis groenlandica) is not listed by the ASPCA Animal Poison Control Center (opens in new tab) or the other sources we check, so we have no verdict for it either way. Absence from those lists is not a clearance. If your pet shows symptoms after eating any plant, call the ASPCA at (888) 426-4435.
The USDA PLANTS Database (opens in new tab) does not flag Pink-elephants as toxic to livestock.
Light
part sun
Water
medium
Size
4"–16" H × 4"–8" W
Bloom
Jun, Jul, Aug
Native to
AZ, CA, CO, ID and 8 more states
Pollinators
bees, hummingbirds
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 452 programs across 44 states, each with a link to the provider and the date we last checked it.
Find rebates in your areaBrowse plants for this ecoregion
Pink-elephants is a charming native wildflower with distinctive pink blooms that resemble tiny elephant heads with raised trunks. This compact perennial grows in neat clumps and produces its whimsical flowers throughout the summer months. It thrives in partially sunny locations with consistent moisture.
In an HOA neighborhood
Pink-elephants takes more care to keep looking intentional in a front yard. Maintenance level: moderate. Consider it for backyard or mid-zone beds rather than the street edge.
Works well in: backyard only.
- Unusual flower shape may be seen as too wild or unconventional
- Requires specific moisture conditions that may be difficult to maintain
- Not widely recognized as a typical landscaping plant
Wildlife value
The tubular flowers attract bees and hummingbirds during the summer blooming period. This native plant provides important nectar resources for pollinators in mountain and prairie ecosystems.
Common questions
- How much sun does Pink-elephants need?
- Pink-elephants grows best in part sun conditions.
- When does Pink-elephants bloom?
- Pink-elephants blooms in June, July, and August.
- Where is Pink-elephants native?
- Pink-elephants (Pedicularis groenlandica) is native to AZ, CA, CO, ID and 8 more states, per the World Checklist of Vascular Plants (Kew).
- Is Pink-elephants toxic to livestock?
- The USDA PLANTS Database does not flag Pink-elephants as toxic to livestock.
- What pollinators does Pink-elephants attract?
- Pink-elephants draws bees and hummingbirds.
- Is Pink-elephants HOA-friendly?
- Pink-elephants 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 World Checklist of Vascular Plants (Kew). Pollinator and host plant associations compiled from GBIF, iNaturalist, and published ecological literature.
If something looks wrong
Common plant problems, and what to check first
These come up on almost any plant. Each guide lists the likely causes in the order they are worth ruling out, with one thing to check before you act on any of them, and links to the source it came from.
- It is dying right after planting
- Leaves turning yellow
- Wilting even though I watered it
- Brown crispy leaf tips
- Bugs on the plant
Ready to grow Pink-elephants? Add it to your garden in Pollinator Patch to track it and get season-by-season care guidance.
Planning a bed around it? Start a free plan with this plant
Not sure where to start? Take the 2-minute yard quiz