Plantago wrightiana Plant Identification (Flower, Leaf, Care, Uses)

Family – Plantaginaceae

Stems:

Lower portion of flowering scape.

Upper portion of flowering scape.

Leaves:

Inflorescence:

Flowers:

Flowering – April – June.

Habitat – Disturbed sites, waste places, roadsides.

Origin – Native to North America.

Other information – This species can be found mainly in southern Alabama but is undoubtedly more common than is reported. The plant can be identified by its long, thin leaves, pubescent scapes, dense inflorescences, and pilose sepals.
The genus name Plantago derives from the Latin “plant(a)” meaning “the sole of a foot (footprint), a plant.”
The species epithet wrightiana is named in honor of Charles Wright (1811-1885). Wright was an American botanical collector from Connecticut who collected in Texas, Mexico, New Mexico, Niacaragua, and Cuba.

Alabama Distribution:

Photographs taken off Lee Rd 27, Auburn, AL., 4-30-06.