Safeplants

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Great Indian Plantain

The text mentions that the seeds are topped with bristly hairs used for wind dispersal. While not explicitly toxic, these hairs might be irritating if ingested or come into contact with skin.
The plant can grow to a significant height (3-9 feet), suggesting potentially large leaves and stems that might be tempting for pets to chew on.

The plant's seeds have bristly hairs which can cause irritation.
The plant can grow to a significant height (3-9 feet), suggesting potentially large leaves and stems that might be tempting for children to play with.

Scientific Name: Arnoglossum reniforme (Hook.) H. Rob.
Common Names: Great Indian Plantain, Indian Plantain, Broadleaf Indian Plantain, Egg Leaf Indian Plantain, Wild Collard, Prairie Plantain
Synonyms: Arnoglossum muhlenbergii, Cacalia muhlenbergii, Cacalia reniformis, Cacalia ovata, Arnoglossum ovatum.
Family: Asteraceae (Composite Sunflower family)

The Great Indian Plantain is native to North America.
It grows in the Midwest and southeastern United States.
Specific locations mentioned include Mower County, MN, and Alabama, Arkansas, Idaho and Connecticut.
It typically occurs in woods, open woods, and along streamsides.
It prefers moist, clay soil.

Great Indian Plantain is an erect native perennial.
It can grow to a height of 3 to 9 feet.
Stems are described as stout and sometimes having reddish hues at the base.
The plant features flat clusters of creamy white flower heads that are 5 to 12 inches across.
Flowers are all tubular, with no marginal rays.
Basal and stem leaves are palmately lobed.
Basal leaves can span up to 1 foot across and are up to 8 inches long and 6 inches across.
The leaves have a soft, rich, and tactile nature with a deep blue-green color and a glaucous-white coating beneath.

Despite its common name, Great Indian Plantain is not closely related to the common plantain (Plantago spp.) nor to the cooking plantain (Musa paradisiaca).
Pale Indian Plantain is a striking species which is the most asked about plant in a Minnesota landscape, visitors are enthralled with it.

The seeds are topped by a tuft of bristly hairs used for wind dispersal, which can scatter them great distances.
False Indian-plantain is listed as endangered in Connecticut, which hosts the one remaining New England population, though it is more common in the Midwest.