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