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native plant database: Bransford, W.D. and Dolphia Pedicularis
groenlandica Retz. Synonyms: Elephantella groenlandica USDA
Symbol: PEGR2 USDA Native Status: Native to U.S. Shortly after
snow melt, purplish, fern-like leaves come up through the
grasses and sedges on whose roots this plant is parasitic. A
little later, spikes to 18 in. carry showy clusters of pink-
purple flowers. The individual flowers resemble an elephant’s
face – the upper petals twisted and curled into a long snout.
Dense racemes of flowers that are perfect little pink elephant
heads (ears, trunk, and all) bloom on leafy stems. The flower’s
charming structure facilitates pollination while at the same
time reducing the chances of hybridization with other species.
Little Elephant Heads (P. attollens), only to 16 (40 cm) tall,
has a corolla marked with white and ros