Xanthosoma sagittifolium
Non-Native
What is Elephant Ear?
Physical Characteristics
- Up to 9 feet tall
Leaves:
- Up to 6 feet long
- Attached to leaf stalk at base of the “V”
- Light green in color
- Arrow-shaped
- Long leaf stalks
- Wavy edges
Stem:
- Underground
- Bulb-like
- Rhizomes extend from bulbs
Where Does it Grow?
USDA, NRCS. The PLANTS Database (http://plants.usda.gov). National Plant Data Team, Greensboro, NC 27401-4901 USA.
Non-Native
Elephant ear can be found in swamps and along the edges of streams.
Is it Invasive?
Elephant ear is non-native to North America. It is an aggressive invader that prevents the growth of desired vegetation by blocking the sunlight with its large leaves.
This plant is not native to North America, but has naturalized in much of the United States. While it is not illegal to possess this plant in Texas, it should not be introduced into new water bodies and should be treated with herbicide when present.