Arnoglossum ovatum (Walter) H.E. Robinson

Broadleaf Indian Plantain; Egg Leaf Indian Plantain

Herb

Perennial

Vascular

Broadleaf Indian Plantain is a native herbaceous perennial in the Sunflower family (Asteraceae). It can be found in the southern half of the state. Broadleaf Indian Plantain occurs in bogs, seeps, low woodlands, and wet roadside ditches. It is a perennial from a short rhizome. Leaves are basal and cauline. The basal leaves are ovate to lanceolate in outline, glabrous, somewhat glaucous, with entire or dentate margins. Flowering stems are 3-6 feet in height, round in cross section, and glabrous. The stem leaves are petiolate towards the base of the stem and sessile towards the apex. The leaves decrease in size up the stem. The stem leaves are ovate to lanceolate in outline, glabrous, glaucous, with entire or dentate margins. The flowers are produced in heads. The heads are arranged in corymbiform arrays. The phyllaries (bracts subtending the head) are white or purple tinged and not winged. The heads contain 5-9 disc flowers. The flowers are greenish-white, often with a pinkish interior. The fruit is an achene. Broadleaf Indian Plantain is probably the most common species in the genus in Alabama. It is also the most variable. Broadleaf Indian Plantain is not usually available commercially. It is sometimes grown for wetland restoration projects. It grows best in a wet, sandy loam soil in full sun. It can be used in bog gardens or along ponds or streams.--A. Diamond

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Native FAC (NWPL)

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