Elephant Ears Plant

Colocasia esculenta, commonly called taro or elephant ear, grows from a corm and forms a bold clump of large, heart-shaped leaves. It brings a tropical scale to warm-season borders, pond edges, and spacious containers. ## Foliage and placement The [NC State Extension profile](https://plants.ces.ncsu.edu/plants/colocasia-esculenta/) describes typical garden plants about 3–6 feet tall and wide, with foliage that may vary in color and pattern. It recommends part shade or filtered sun, protection from strong wind, and moist, rich soil; the species can also grow in occasionally wet ground. Use it where the broad leaves have room and where the soil can stay consistently damp. ## Growing conditions This tender perennial is listed for USDA zones 8–11. In colder climates it can be grown as a summer ornamental in a pot and moved indoors for cooler months. Growth and final size depend on warmth, moisture, and the growing season. ## Maintenance Water regularly and divide the expanding clump when it outgrows its space. Raw plant parts contain irritating calcium oxalate crystals; do not eat them raw. Taro is a food crop only after appropriate preparation, as described in the [NC State profile](https://plants.ces.ncsu.edu/plants/colocasia-esculenta/).