Arnoglossum diversifolium (Torr. & A. Gray) H. Rob.

Variable Leaf Indian Plantain

Herb

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Vascular

Variable Leaf Indian Plantain is a native perennial in the Aster family (Asteraceae). It is known from a single county in extreme southeastern Alabama. Variable Leaf Indian Plantain grows in swamps and along streams in mucky soil. Plants may persist in shaded habitats, but only flower in full or partial sun. Variable Leaf Indian Plantain is a perennial with a basal rosette of leaves. Basal leaves are ovate to cordate in outline, petiolate, with toothed margins. On or more flowering stems grow to a height of 3-5 feet. Stems are angular and ribbed, purple or green in color. Stem leaves are alternate, smaller than the basal leaves, petiolate, deltoid to hastate in outline, and toothed. Flowers are produced in heads. The heads are arranged in corymbs. The phyllaries (bracts subtending the heads) are large, white in color, with winged midveins. Heads are composed of disc flowers that are five lobed. The disc flowers are pale lavender to pinkish in color. The fruit is an achene. Variable Leaf Indian Plantain is found in Alabama, Florida, and Georgia. In Alabama it is listed as an S1 species (typically 5 or fewer occurrences, very few remaining individuals, acres, or miles of stream, or some factor of its biology making it especially vulnerable in the state) and globally it is considered a G2 species (imperiled globally because of rarity (6 - 20 occurrences, or few remaining acres, or miles of stream) or very vulnerable to extinction throughout its range because of other factors).--A. Diamond

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Native FACW- (NWPL) S1 (State Rank) G2 (Global Rank)

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