Devil’s Grandmother: A Quirky Native Wildflower Worth Getting to Know
With a name like devil’s grandmother, you might expect this native wildflower to be trouble. But Elephantopus tomentosus is actually a well-behaved perennial that deserves a spot in your native garden. This charming southeastern native brings subtle beauty and wildlife value to naturalized landscapes without any of the drama its colorful name might suggest.
What Is Devil’s Grandmother?
Devil’s grandmother is a native perennial forb – basically a soft-stemmed herbaceous plant that comes back year after year. Unlike woody shrubs or trees, this plant dies back to the ground each winter and returns fresh in spring. It typically grows 1-3 feet tall and forms clumps of broad, fuzzy leaves at the base with slender flower stalks rising above.
The small white to pale purple flowers appear in flat-topped clusters from late summer into fall, creating a delicate, cottage garden appeal. While not a showstopper like some native wildflowers, devil’s grandmother has a quiet charm that works beautifully in naturalized settings.
Where Does It Call Home?
This native wildflower is right at home across much of the southeastern United States. You’ll find devil’s grandmother growing naturally in Alabama, Arkansas, Florida, Georgia, Kentucky, Louisiana, Maryland, Mississippi, North Carolina, Oklahoma, South Carolina, Tennessee, Texas, and Virginia. It’s perfectly adapted to the climate and growing conditions of these regions.
Why Grow Devil’s Grandmother in Your Garden?
If you’re creating a native plant garden or naturalized landscape, devil’s grandmother offers several appealing qualities:
- True native plant that supports local ecosystems
- Low-maintenance once established
- Attracts butterflies, bees, and other pollinators
- Provides food for wildlife (though modestly)
- Drought tolerant after the first year
- Self-seeds to create natural colonies
- Blooms late in the season when many other flowers are fading
Perfect Garden Settings
Devil’s grandmother isn’t meant for formal flower borders or manicured landscapes. Instead, it shines in:
- Woodland gardens and forest edges
- Native plant gardens
- Naturalized meadow areas
- Wildlife habitat gardens
- Low-maintenance landscape areas
Think of it as a supporting player rather than the star – it provides texture, late-season blooms, and ecological value without demanding attention.
Growing Conditions and Care
One of the best things about devil’s grandmother is how easy it is to please. This adaptable native thrives in USDA hardiness zones 6-9 and tolerates a range of growing conditions:
- Light: Partial shade to full sun (though it appreciates some afternoon shade in hot climates)
- Soil: Well-drained soils of various types
- Water: Drought tolerant once established, but appreciates occasional watering during dry spells
- Maintenance: Very low – just cut back spent flower stalks if you don’t want it to self-seed
Planting and Care Tips
Getting devil’s grandmother established in your garden is straightforward:
- Plant in spring or fall when temperatures are moderate
- Space plants 12-18 inches apart if planting multiple specimens
- Water regularly the first year to help establish strong roots
- After that, it’s largely hands-off gardening
- Allow it to self-seed if you want natural colonies to develop
- Cut back flower stalks after blooming if you prefer a tidier appearance
Wildlife Value
While devil’s grandmother won’t single-handedly transform your yard into a wildlife haven, it does contribute to the ecosystem. The flowers attract various pollinators including butterflies and native bees. Large animals may browse it occasionally, though it makes up only a small percentage of their diet and provides limited cover.
The Bottom Line
Devil’s grandmother might not have the flashiest flowers or the most impressive stature, but it’s exactly the kind of reliable native plant that forms the backbone of a sustainable landscape. If you’re looking to add authentic regional character to naturalized areas while supporting local wildlife, this unassuming perennial deserves consideration. Plus, you’ll have the fun of telling visitors about the plant with the wonderfully quirky name – though thankfully, it’s much more agreeable than its moniker suggests!
