Control Arrowleaf Elephant Ear

The non-native elephant ear can be found in Texas and Florida. It is often confused with wild taro but is even tougher to get rid of. The following options can be considered for how to control elephant ear.

Click here to read more about identifying this plant.

Manual/Mechanical Control:

If you are considering how to remove elephant ear, physically digging up this plant and the bulb like structures can be an effective method of control. The leaves contain oxalic acid, which can be a skin irritant. They will secrete this substance when cut or torn.

Herbicide Control:

There is an option for how to kill elephant ear that can offer some control when used with repeated treatments in combination with other methods.

• Cattail and Water Lily Control (Imox + surfactant) (for ponds or lakes) – liquids that are mixed and diluted with water and sprayed directly on the plants.

Treatment Tips:

When treating elephant ear,

• With Imox or other systemic herbicides, treatment is most effective when the plants are mature or close to full grown. This allows for more plant surface to spray enough mixture on.
  • Treat in late summer to early fall to get better kill of the root systems. At this time, plants are pulling energy into their roots to store for the winter.
• Take precautions to prevent direct skin contact with cut or torn leaves; they contain oxalic acid, which may cause skin irritation.