Woolly plantain

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Woolly plantain

Woolly plantain inflorescences, flowers and anthers

Woolly plantain

Morphology

Stem

Nearly stemless or .5 to 1.5 inch long from 2- to 4-branched caudex.

Leaves

Alternate, basal, simple, ascending, linear-oblanceolate, 1 to 8 inches long, about 1/2 inch wide; veins 1-3; margins entire; surfaces woolly-hairy; tips pointed.

Inflorescence

Spike, narrow, 1 to 6 inches long, densely woolly or silky pubescent, terminal on stalk 1 to 10 inches long; 1-20 spikes per plant.

Flower

Inconspicuous, densely crowded in spike; covering bracts triangular to linear, less than 1/10 inch long, progressively reduced above, woolly pubescent; petals 4, whitish; stamens 4, slightly protruding to included.

Fruit

Capsule, opening near middle; seeds 2, boat-shaped, light brown, about 1/12 inch long.

Ecology

Habitat

Dry prairies, pastures, waste places, and roadsides; all soil types, but more abundant on sandy or rocky soils.

Distribution

Throughout Kansas, but more frequently in west 2/3.

Practical Information

Forage Value

A food source for birds and small mammals.

Uses

Native Americans used a tea brewed from the plant as an appetite supressant and to treat headaches and diarrhea. They used the seeds for food.

Additional Notes