Contents
Description
Elephantopus Mollis, also known as soft elephant’s foot, is a herbaceous perennial plant that belongs to the Asteraceae family. This plant is native to North America, specifically in the Midwest and Southeast regions. It has a taproot that can grow up to 1 meter long, and its stem can reach up to 60 cm in height. It has oval-shaped leaves with a velvety texture that cover the stem, and its flowers bloom in clusters at the top of the stem, producing a fragrant scent.
Taxonomic Information
| Domain | Eukarya |
| Kingdom | Plantae |
| Phylum | Spermatophyta |
| Class | Magnoliopsida |
| Order | Asterales |
| Family | Asteraceae |
| Genus | Elephantopus |
Appearance
The Elephantopus Mollis plant has a unique appearance that makes it stand out in any garden. Its oval-shaped leaves have a velvety texture and can grow up to 10 cm long and 6 cm wide. The stem of the plant can reach up to 60 cm in height and is covered with the leaves. The flowers of the plant are small, tubular, and white, and they bloom in clusters at the top of the stem, producing a fragrant scent. The plant’s taproot can grow up to 1 meter long, making it a sturdy and robust plant.
Care Guide
Elephantopus Mollis is a low-maintenance plant that is easy to care for. Here are some care tips to keep your plant healthy:
Water: Water your plant regularly, making sure the soil is moist but not waterlogged. This plant prefers well-draining soil, so make sure the pot has drainage holes.
Fertilization: Fertilize your plant once a month during the growing season with a balanced fertilizer. Follow the package instructions for the correct dosage.
Soil: This plant prefers well-draining soil, so use a soil mix that contains perlite or sand to ensure good drainage.
Sunlight: Elephantopus Mollis prefers partial shade to full sun, so place it in an area that receives 4-6 hours of sunlight per day.
Hardiness Zones: This plant can grow in USDA hardiness zones 7-10.
Common Pests & Diseases
Elephantopus Mollis is a hardy plant that is not usually affected by pests or diseases. However, here are some common issues to look out for:
Spider Mites: These pests can cause yellowing or browning of the leaves. Treat with insecticidal soap or neem oil.
Root Rot: Overwatering can cause root rot, which can be fatal to the plant. Make sure the soil is well-draining and avoid overwatering.
Habitat
Elephantopus Mollis is native to North America, specifically in the Midwest and Southeast regions. It can be found in prairies, woodlands, and disturbed areas such as roadways and fields. This plant prefers well-draining soil and can tolerate drought and high temperatures.
Question and Answer
Q: Is Elephantopus Mollis a good plant for beginners?
A: Yes, this plant is easy to care for and requires minimal maintenance.
Q: Can I grow Elephantopus Mollis in a container?
A: Yes, this plant can be grown in a container as long as the pot has drainage holes and the soil is well-draining.
Q: How often should I fertilize my Elephantopus Mollis plant?
A: Fertilize your plant once a month during the growing season with a balanced fertilizer. Follow the package instructions for the correct dosage.
Q: Can Elephantopus Mollis tolerate high temperatures?
A: Yes, this plant can tolerate high temperatures and is drought-tolerant.
Related Plants
Here are some related plants to Elephantopus Mollis:
- Elephantopus carolinianus
- Elephantopus tomentosus
- Elephantopus scaber
- Elephantopus nudatus
References
- “Elephantopus Mollis.” Missouri Botanical Garden, www.missouribotanicalgarden.org/PlantFinder/PlantFinderDetails.aspx?kempercode=c895.
- “Elephantopus Mollis.” North Carolina Extension Gardener Plant Toolbox, plants.ces.ncsu.edu/plants/elephantopus-mollis/.
- “Elephantopus Mollis.” Plants for a Future, www.pfaf.org/user/Plant.aspx?LatinName=Elephantopus+mollis.
