Broadleaf plantain – Plantago major

Plantago major L.

Plantaginaceae (Plantain family)

MI Status

Non-native

Life cycle

Rosette-forming simple perennial.

Leaves

All leaves originate from a basal rosette. Cotyledons are long and spatula-shaped. Leaves are generally smooth and broadly to narrowly oval, with parallel veins and smooth to slightly wavy leaf margins. Leaf base tapers to a distinct petiole. Petioles are usually green but occasionally pale pink.

Stems

No visible aboveground stem. Short taproot present.

Flowers and fruit

Leafless stalks bear long, dense, cylinder-shaped flowering spikes and fruit resembling a rat tail. Single flowers are inconspicuous.Fruiting capsules yield many narrowly oval, usually glossy brown seeds.

Reproduction

Seeds.

Broadleaf plantain rosette
Broadleaf plantain rosette
Broadleaf plantain seedling
Broadleaf plantain seedling
Broadleaf plantain flower
Broadleaf plantain flower

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