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.

Pink-elephants

Name: Pollinator Patch
Author: Pollinator Patch

Pedicularis groenlandica

Last reviewed: August 2026

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

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Cities and water utilities offer rebates for replacing lawn with native and water-wise plants. We track 432 programs across 44 states, each with a link to the provider and the date we last checked it.

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Browse plants for this ecoregion

Coast Range Northwestern Forested Mountains Sierra Nevada North American Deserts Central Basin and Range Southern Rockies Northwestern Great Plains

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.

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

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