When does Tall Elephantsfoot bloom?

Elephantopus elatus blooms from July through September, producing small purple flower heads that attract pollinators during late summer.

Where is Tall Elephantsfoot native?

This wildflower is native to the southeastern United States, including Alabama, Florida, Georgia, Louisiana, Mississippi, and South Carolina.

What pollinators visit Elephantopus elatus?

Tall Elephantsfoot attracts bees and butterflies with its late summer blooms, making it valuable for pollinator gardens in native plant landscapes.

What growing conditions does Tall Elephantsfoot prefer?

Elephantopus elatus tolerates a range of light conditions from full sun to partial shade and adapts to various moisture levels, though it performs well with medium water.

Is Tall Elephantsfoot HOA-friendly?

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

Tall Elephantsfoot

Name: Pollinator Patch
Author: Pollinator Patch

Elephantopus elatus

Last reviewed: June 2026

Elephantopus elatus (Tall Elephantsfoot) is a native southeastern US forb that blooms purple from July through September. This adaptable wildflower attracts bees and butterflies in Alabama, Florida, Georgia, Louisiana, Mississippi, and South Carolina.

Tall Elephantsfoot (Elephantopus elatus) — Photo: Alex Abair / Wikimedia Commons (CC BY 4.0)

Light

part sun

Water

medium

Size

12"–36" H × 6"–18" W

Bloom

Jul, Aug, Sep

Native to

AL, FL, GA, LA and 2 more states

Pollinators

bees, butterflies

Tall elephantsfoot is a perennial that produces clusters of small purple flowers from summer through early fall. This moderate-sized wildflower grows in clumps and thrives in partial sun with average moisture conditions.

Growing Tall Elephantsfoot

Grow Tall Elephantsfoot in part sun and medium water. Mature plants reach 12 to 36 inches tall and spread 6 to 18 inches wide. Expect low maintenance to keep it looking intentional in a front yard.

In an HOA neighborhood

Tall 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.

Has a distinctly wild, weedy appearance
Small flowers may not provide enough visual impact for front yards
Growth form can appear unkempt to traditional gardeners

Wildlife value

The summer and fall blooms attract bees and butterflies, providing nectar during the later growing season when many other flowers have finished.

Common questions

When does Tall Elephantsfoot bloom?: Elephantopus elatus blooms from July through September, producing small purple flower heads that attract pollinators during late summer.
Where is Tall Elephantsfoot native?: This wildflower is native to the southeastern United States, including Alabama, Florida, Georgia, Louisiana, Mississippi, and South Carolina.
What pollinators visit Elephantopus elatus?: Tall Elephantsfoot attracts bees and butterflies with its late summer blooms, making it valuable for pollinator gardens in native plant landscapes.
What growing conditions does Tall Elephantsfoot prefer?: Elephantopus elatus tolerates a range of light conditions from full sun to partial shade and adapts to various moisture levels, though it performs well with medium water.
Is Tall Elephantsfoot HOA-friendly?: Tall 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 Tall Elephantsfoot? Add it to your garden in Pollinator Patch to track it and get season-by-season care guidance.

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