Easily grown in average, dry to medium, well-drained soil in full sun to part shade. Best on dryish, sandy soils.
Elephant's foot is a Missouri native plant which occurs in low woods and along streams primarily in Missouri counties south of the Missouri River. Valued for its late summer to fall bloom and large, attractive lower leaves. Bloom consists of many small flower heads which are arranged in compound inflorescences. Each individual flower head is subtended by (rests upon) leafy bracts and contains 2-5, tubular, pale lavender disc florets. When in full bloom, an entire inflorescence may be mistaken for a large, single bloom. Although a member of the composite family, the flowers of elephant's foot are not daisy-like in appearance because each flower head contains only disc flowers. Similar in appearance and closely related to the ironweeds (Vernonia). Large lower leaves provide the inspiration for the common name of Elephant's foot.
No serious insect or disease problems.
Perhaps best grown in native plant gardens, meadows and woodland gardens. Marginal ornamental attributes for perennial borders. Large lower leaves can form a nice ground cover if plants are massed.
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Missouri Botanical Garden
4344 Shaw Blvd., St. Louis, MO 63110(314) 577-5100 hours and admission
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Faust Park, 15193 Olive Blvd. Chesterfield, MO 63017(636) 530-0076 hours and admission
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Hwy. 100 & I-44 Gray Summit, MO 63039(636) 451-3512 hours and admission