How to Grow and Care for Elephantsfoots

Soft elephantsfoot is a low-growing perennial herb that grows so widely in tropical climates that it is considered a noxious weed in some places. It grows in dense ground cover and chokes out other plants. The seeds stick to animals and clothing.

Tiny purple flowers top off the carolina elephantsfoot (Elephantopus carolinianus), although it gets its common name from its oversized, 20 cm leaves. This plant is easy to grow and deer resistant. However, parts of it can be toxic if ingested.

The wonderfully named common Elephant's-Foot (*Elephantopus tomentosus*) is a wildflower that can be commonly seen in woodlands and disturbed areas, such as roadsides. The plant's leaves grow low to the ground, and it spreads aggressively, preventing the growth of other species. As such, despite its pretty mauve flowers, this is not a good landscape plant.

Elephant's-foot is a relative of the sunflower, but could not look less like it: small and low-slung, with spiky purple flowers growing above a mat of broad leaves. Seeds of this plant can be found online, but unlike sunflowers, it is often grown as a ground cover. It is prolific and tough, and is considered a weed in several regions where it has been introduced.

Elephantopus nudatus, otherwise known as smooth elephant's foot, is native to the southeastern U.S. from Delaware to eastern Texas. It lives in woodlands and woodland borders in dry soil. It is a member of the sunflower and daisy family.