Etymology: Plantago: from Latin planta meaning "foot print"
Plants: erect, perennial, 3"-12" tall forb; fibrous roots
Leaves: 3-veined, widely elliptical to oval, stalk base reddish
Flowers: green to white, 4-parted, 1/16" long; leaf-like, smooth, lance-like to triangular bracts below the flowers; inflorescence a 2"-12", dense, narrow tapering spike less than 1/3" thick; blooms June-Aug.
Habitat: disturbed sites, lawns

Floristic Rating: Coefficient of Conservatism = 0, Wetland Indicator = FAC Atlas of the Wisconsin Prairie and Savanna Flora: by T.S. Cochrane & H.H. Iltis: habitat, distribution infomation / flowering and fruiting times USDA Plants Database: Federal Distribution and detailed information including photos USDA Agricultural Research Service (ARS): Images of seeds, fruits, embryos, etc. Dan Tenaglia's The Missouri Flora: Fabulous photographs; detailed descriptions; color and leave arrangement key. David G. Smith's "Delaware Wilflowers": Beautiful photographs; descriptions Illinois Wildflowers: Wonderful photographs; detailed descriptions; color and leaf arrangement key Southwest School of Botanical Medicine: Britton & Brown Illustrated Flora - 2nd Edition (1913) "An Illustrated Flora of the Northern United States and Canada"