Scientific Family
Plantaginaceae
Synonyms
Plantago altissima
Other common names
English plantain
lanceleaf plantain
buckhorn plantain
Plant type
Forbs and Subshrubs
Origin
Introduced
Lifecycle
Annual or perennial
Height
6 to 24 inches
Riparian
No
Plant consists of a rosette of basal leaves and one or more flowering stalks. Its root system is shallow and consists of coarse, fibrous roots.
Flower spikes cone-shaped, 3/8 to 1-1/4 inches long at maturity; leaves mostly more than 3/8 inch wide, often much more; flowers are all perfect (with both male and female reproductive organs).
Habitat
This plant prefers disturbed areas and has not invaded natural areas to any significant extent. It needs full sun and dry soil.
Plant Community
Disturbed Areas
Low elevation
3500
High elevation
7000
Flower Characteristics
A narrow spike of tiny, crowded flowers which face in all directions on a long leafless stalk. Each tiny flower has 4 petals.
Flower color
Brownish-white
Flower shape
Regular
Tubular
No
First bloom month
April
Last bloom month
August
Flower clusters
Elongated
Leaf and Stem Characteristics
Leaves are football shaped and 3 to 10 inches long. They are parallel veined and have a narrow tip.
Leaf type
Simple
Leaf color
Green
Leaf shape
Narrow
Leaf margin
Toothed
Leaves clasp
No
Leaf hairs
Leaves & stems
Spines
No
Fruit and Seed Characteristics
Fruit type
Capsule
Fruit color
Dark brown to black
Shiny seeds, 1 to 2 in each fruit.