[Plantains: The Genus Plantago East of the Cascade Mountains of Oregon and Washington]

Broadleaf Plantain, Common Plantain, Great Plantain, Nippleseed

Plantago major

Synonyms: Plantago major var. intermedia, Plantago major var. major, Plantago major var. pachyphylla, Plantago major var. pilgeri, Plantago major var. scopulorum

Characteristics:

Common or broadleaf plantain is a common weedy species of the west. It is fibrous-rooted with erect stems from 10-30 cm tall arise from a cluster of broadly ovate leaves, from 3-20 cm long and 2.5-12 cm wide. The leaf margins are entire or occasionally with a few teeth. The venation is prominent, with 3- several veins arising from the base.

The inflorescence of tiny 4-petaled flowers is from 5-20 cm long. The petals are papery and reflexed. The flowers have 4 stamens. The sepals are shorter than the ripened seed capsule.

Habitat:

Common plantain is found in waste places, road sides, and lawns.

Range:

Common plantain is originally an European native, but is found over much of North America today.

Paul Slichter