Common Plantain

(Plantago major)

 

   

 

 

Color Photograph: Copyright Nearctica.com, Inc.

Line Drawing: Britton, N.L., and A. Brown. 1913. An Illustrated Flora of the Northern United States and Canada, Second Edition.

 

Common Plantain (Plantago major L.)

Alien: Native of Europe.

Identification: Flowers white, but extremely small, arranged in an elongate, thin flower head. Flower head usually appearing green. Stem thin, wiry. Flowers ovate with strong ribs. Leaf petiole green, grooved. Plant 6 to 18 inches in height.

Distribution: Throughout North America.

Habitat: Common Plantain is a species of disturbed habitats such as lawns, fields, empty lots, and roadsides.

Flowering period: June to October.

Similar Species: Pale Plantain (Plantago rugelii) (not treated here) is an equally common weed (although native) and is difficult to separate from Common Plantain. The leaf petiole of Pale Plantain is usually red at the base. The leaves are usually lighter and thinner than those of Common Plantain.

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