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Tuberous Indian plantain

Arnoglossum plantagineum Raf.

[=Cacalia plantaginea (Raf.) Shinners ]

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Tuberous Indian plantain inflorescence
Tuberous Indian plantain
Tuberous Indian plantain
Tuberous Indian plantain habit
Tuberous Indian plantain
Tuberous Indian plantain
Tuberous Indian plantain
Tuberous Indian plantain achenes
Tuberous Indian plantain
Tuberous Indian plantain leaves
Tuberous Indian plantain inflorescence

Morphology

Stem
Erect, stout, angled, glabrous, longitudinally grooved.
Leaves
Alternate, simple, long-stalked, narrowly ovate to elliptic, 2 to 8 inches long, 1 to 3 inches wide, thick, firm, rubbery texture, glabrous, several prominent parallel veins converging near apex; margins entire to wavy; tips blunt or pointed; upper leaves gradually reduced, sessile or short-stalked, sometimes toothed near tips.
Inflorescence
Cymes, corymb-like, broad, flat-topped, terminal or in upper leaf axils; heads 50-100, small, narrowly cylindrical; bracts 5, pale green, elevated rib on outer surface.
Flower
Ray florets absent, disk florets 5, corollas tubular, deeply 5-lobed, creamy-white.
Fruit
Achenes, oblong, prominently ribbed, tipped with numerous white, hair-like bristles, enclosing small seed.

Ecology

Habitat
Damp, rocky prairies, open woods, thickets, and roadsides.
Distribution
East 2/5 of Kansas.

Additional Notes

Comments

"Tuberous" is in reference to the clump of fleshy, thickened roots produced by the plant.

Synonyms

Alternative scientific names that have been used for this plant.

Scientific Name: Cacalia plantaginea

Full Citation: Cacalia plantaginea Shinners

Quick Facts
Plant Type
Wildflower
Family
Asteraceae - Sunflower Family
Life Span
Perennial
Height
2-5 feet
Last Updated
2007-09-14
Color Groups
White, Green & Greenish White Wildflowers
Flowering Period
Jan Feb Mar Apr May Jun Jul Aug Sep Oct Nov Dec

Blooms: June, July, August