SafePlants

Arnoglossum plantagineum: The Prairie Indian Plantain

Explore the fascinating world of the Prairie Indian Plantain (Arnoglossum plantagineum), a native perennial wildflower with intriguing characteristics and a rich history.

Common Names

• Prairie Indian Plantain
• Groovestem Indian Plantain
• Tuberous Indian Plantain
• Indian Plantain (Note: despite its name, it is not closely related to the common plantain (Plantago spp.) or the cooking plantain (Musa paradisiaca))

Taxonomy and Nomenclature

• Scientific Name: Arnoglossum plantagineum Raf.
• Family: Asteraceae (Aster or Composite Sunflower Family)
• Synonyms: Cacalia tuberosa Nutt.
• Alternative Scientific Names: Cacalia tuberosa or Arnoglossom plantagineum

Distribution and Habitat

• The Prairie Indian Plantain's range extends from Alabama and eastern regions.
• It is often found in the Eastern Tall Grass Prairie.
• Prefers prairie habitats and permaculture orchards.
• Due to decreasing prairie habitat, it has become uncommon in the wild.

Morphological Characteristics

• Initially forms a tuft of low basal leaves, similar in appearance to the lower cauline leaves.
• Forms a rosette of basal leaves, up to 1 foot across. The basal leaves can reach up to 8 inches long and 6 inches across.
• Stems are erect, smooth, and grooved.
• Great Indian Plantain (A. reniforme) has stems with 6 ridges.
• Arnoglossum atriplicifolium, (Pale Indian Plantain) has stout, smooth leaves with a glaucous-white coating beneath. The leaves are irregularly shaped with pointed lobes.
• Pale Indian Plantain can grow up to ten feet tall.
• Stems are erect, unbranched below the inflorescence, round in cross section, weakly ridged or smooth, and waxy.

Ecological Role

• The Tuberous Indian-plantain was assessed as a species of special concern when the Endangered Species Act took effect in 2008.
• MN Status: threatened.
• COSEWIC Assessment: Designated Special Concern in April 1988. Status re-examined and confirmed.

Quirky Facts

• Pale Indian Plantain is a popular plant among visitors in Minnesota landscapes, often drawing attention and enthusiasm.
• Bengalis consecrate goddess Durga’s with a plantain tree.

Other Species

• Arnoglossum reniforme (Great Indian Plantain): Stems have 6 ridges.
• Arnoglossum atriplicifolium (Pale Indian Plantain): Found naturally in prairies, open woodlands, and along stream edges.
• Arnoglossum ovatum (Great Indian Plantain or Broadleaf Indian Plantain - Egg Leaf Indian Plantain): Syn: Cacalia ovata.
• Arnoglossum diversifolium (VARIABLE-LEAF INDIAN-PLANTAIN).
• Hasteola suaveolens (Sweet-scented Indian-plantain).