Scientific Family
Plantaginaceae
Synonyms
none
Other common names
common plantain
broadleaf plantain
buckhorn plantain
great plantain
intermediate plantain
Pilger's plantain
rippleseed plantain
etc.
Plant type
Forbs and Subshrubs
Origin
Introduced
Lifecycle
Perennial
Similar species
Plantago spp.
Height
16-1/2 inches
Riparian
Yes
Perennial herb with fibrous roots and a flowering stem to 16-1/2 inches tall ascending from a rosette of basal leaves.
Perennial herb to 16-1/2 inches tall; leaf blades broadly oval, narrowing at base, pointed at apex, distinctly 3 to 5 veined, the margins with a few shallow lobes near base. Flower spikes are cylindric, flowers are perfect. Found in wet areas.
Habitat
Weed of wet areas.
Plant Community
Riparian
Low elevation
3000
High elevation
7800
Flower Characteristics
Sepals broadly oval to elliptic, to 1/16 inch long, thin membranous margins, mid-vein smooth; flower lobes spreading or reflexed, oval, <1/16 inch long; 4 stamens.
Flower color
Green
Flower shape
Regular
Tubular
No
First bloom month
March
Last bloom month
October
Flower clusters
Elongated
Leaf and Stem Characteristics
Petioles present; leaves broadly oval, 1-1/2 to 6 inches long, 1 to 3-1/2 inches wide, narrowing at base, pointed at tip, sparsely hairy, becoming smooth, distinctly 3 to 5 veined, margins with a few shallow lobes near base.
Leaf type
Simple
Leaf color
Green
Leaf shape
Round or oval
Leaf margin
Smooth
Leaves clasp
No
Leaf hairs
Leaves
Spines
No
Fruit and Seed Characteristics
Capsules 1/16 inch long and about half as wide, breaking open at maturity well below middle.
Fruit type
Capsule
Fruit color
Brown
Irregular in shape, olive-green to dark brown, the outer surface furrowed, 6 to many per capsule.