Family - Plantaginaceae

Stems - No info. yet.

Leaves - No info. yet.

Arrow shows red base of a leaf petiole.

Inflorescence - No info. yet.

Flowers - No info. yet.

Flowers close-up.

Flowering - May - October.

Habitat - Fields, waste ground, lawns, gardens, moist woods, alluvial ground along streams, roadsides, railroads.

Origin - Native to U.S.

Other info. - This weedy species can be found throughout Missouri and is the most common species of broad-leaved Plantago in the state. The plant is easy to identify in the field because of its large, broad leaves, long inflorescences, and purplish-red base. At least some of the basal portion of the leaf petioles and scapes will be purplish-red. The leaves of this species (and many species in this genus) can be eaten, either raw or cooked. The seed of P. rugelii is often found in bird seed.

Photographs taken in the Ozark Scenic Riverways, Shannon County, MO., 6-15-03.