[The Plantain Family in the Cascade Mountains of Oregon and Washington]

Buckhorn Plantain, English Plantain, Narrowleaf Plantain

Plantago lanceolata

Synonyms: Plantago altissima, Plantago lanceolata var. sphaerostachya

Inflorescence of Buckhorn Plantain, English Plantain, Narrowleaf Plantain: Plantago lanceolata (Synonyms: Plantago altissima, Plantago lanceolata var. sphaerostachya)

A close-up of the inflorescence of english plantain growing in disturbed soils at the Catherine Creek Trailhead in the Columbia River Gorge........May 10, 2009.


Characteristics:

English plantain is a common weedy species of North America. It is a perennial from a fibrous rootstock with numeorus erect stems from 10-60 cm tall and numerous narrow leaves. The leaves are narrowly oblanceolate narrowed to a winged petiole. The leaves rnage from 4-40 cm long with entire or occasionally sparsely-toothed margins. The venation is prominently 3- several veined, with the veins largely arising from the base of the leaf.

The inflorescence is short and dense, ovoid at first but lengthening later in bloom. The 4 petals are brownish and spreading. The sepals are ovate with a green stripe.


Habitat:

English plantain is a weedy species of roadsides, lawns, pastures, and other disturbed places.


Range:

English plantain is found widely throughout North America. In the Columbia River Gorge, it may be found from Troutdale, OR east to about Major Creek, and is found from 100'-2900'.


Buckhorn Plantain, English Plantain, Narrowleaf Plantain: Plantago lanceolata (Synonyms: Plantago altissima, Plantago lanceolata var. sphaerostachya)

English plantain growing in disturbed soils at the Catherine Creek Trailhead in the Columbia River Gorge.......May 10, 2009.

Paul Slichter