Family: Asteraceae
Author: L.
Bibliography: Sp. Pl.: 814 (1753)
Year: 1753
Status: accepted
Rank: species
Genus: Elephantopus
Vegetable: False
Observations: C. & SE. U.S.A.
Description
Tobacco-weed, scientifically known as Elephantopus tomentosus, is a notable plant species that belongs to the Asteraceae family. First authenticated and cataloged by the eminent botanist Carl Linnaeus in his seminal work “Species Plantarum” in 1753, this plant holds a significant place in botanical studies.
Native to the central and southeastern regions of the United States, Tobacco-weed thrives in these warm, temperate climates. The species showcases a distinctive appearance with its coarse, hairy texture and sprawling growth habit, which encapsulates the classic characteristics of the Asteraceae family.
Tobacco-weed is often recognized for its robust nature and adaptability, enabling it to colonize a variety of habitats. This resilience contributes to its pervasive presence throughout its native range, often forming dense mats that can outcompete other local flora. Despite its common name, Tobacco-weed is not related to the tobacco plant used in commercial products but rather derives its name from its broad, basal leaves which somewhat resemble those of tobacco plants.
As a member of the Asteraceae family, the plant produces small, composite flowers typically arranged in clusters, contributing to the ecological diversity of the regions it inhabits. These clusters attract various pollinators, thus playing a vital role in the local ecosystems.
Understanding the ecological impacts and botanical characteristics of Elephantopus tomentosus contributes to broader environmental and conservation efforts, highlighting the interconnectedness of species within their native landscapes.
Common Names
Eng: devil’s grandmother, tobacco-weed
En: Tobacco-weed, Devil’s grandmother, HAIRY ELEPHANTFOOT
Zh: 白花地胆草
Zh-tw: 白花地胆草
Synonyms
- Elephantopus virgatus (Ham.)
- Elephantopus bodinieri (Gagnep.)
- Elephantopus nudicaulis var. major (Hook.)
- Elephantopus nudicaulis (Elliott)
- Elephantopus tomentosus f. rotundatus (Fernald)
- Elephantopus tomentosus var. nudicaulis ((Poir.) C.F.Baker)
- Elephantopus carolinianus var. simplex (Nutt.)
Distribution
- Alabama (native)
- Arkansas (native)
- Florida (native)
- Georgia (native)
- Kentucky (native)
- Louisiana (native)
- Maryland (native)
- Mississippi (native)
- North Carolina (native)
- Oklahoma (native)
- South Carolina (native)
- Tennessee (native)
- Texas (native)
- Virginia (native)
- Bolivia (introduced)
- China Southeast (introduced)
- Colombia (introduced)
- Malaya (introduced)
- Philippines (introduced)
- Taiwan (introduced)
- Tubuai Is. (introduced)
Additional Images
Leaf
Taken May 26, 2022 by Joseph Dupont (cc-by-sa)
Taken Aug 8, 2021 by Debbye (cc-by-sa)
Taken Sep 22, 2020 by Ken Borgfeldt (cc-by-sa)
Taken Sep 22, 2020 by Ken Borgfeldt (cc-by-sa)
Taken May 27, 2020 by Gwen Brown (cc-by-sa)
Flower
Taken Sep 22, 2020 by Ken Borgfeldt (cc-by-sa)
Taken Sep 23, 2022 by brunhildethebonny (cc-by-sa)
Taken Aug 19, 2022 by Clay Becker (cc-by-sa)
Taken May 26, 2020 by Gwen Brown (cc-by-sa)
Fruit
Taken Nov 19, 2022 by Matthew Jadlocki (cc-by-sa)
© copyright of the Board of Trustees of the Royal Botanic Gardens, Kew.
© copyright of the Board of Trustees of the Royal Botanic Gardens, Kew.
Sources
- WFO (No URL)
- IPNI (No URL)
- GBIF (https://www.gbif.org/species/5395934)
- POWO (http://powo.science.kew.org/taxon/urn:lsid:ipni.org:names:202967-1)
- PlantNet (https://identify.plantnet.org/species/the-plant-list/Elephantopus tomentosus L.)
Specifications
Growth habit>: Forb/herb