Bracted plantain (Plantago aristata, Fl. Bor.-Amer. 1: 95 (1803))

Family: Plantaginaceae

Author: Michx.

Bibliography: Fl. Bor.-Amer. 1: 95 (1803)

Year: 1803

Status: accepted

Rank: species

Genus: Plantago

Vegetable: False

Observations: SE. Canada to W., C. & E. U.S.A.

Description

The Bracted Plantain, scientifically known as Plantago aristata, is a species of flowering plant in the Plantaginaceae family. It is recognized for its distinctive bracts, which are elongated, pointed structures that surround the flower spikes. This plant is native to a broad region extending from southeastern Canada through the western, central, and eastern United States.

First described in 1803 by the notable botanist Michx., the Bracted Plantain stands out among its peers due to its unique morphology. The bracts, which resemble bristles or awns, give this plant its characteristic appearance, distinguishing it from other members of the Plantago genus. It typically thrives in open, disturbed soils and can often be spotted in fields, roadsides, and other grassy areas where its seeds can easily spread and grow.

Given its adaptability and hardy nature, Plantago aristata has established itself across various terrains in North America. Its flowers, although not particularly showy, play a significant role in the ecosystem. They provide pollen and nectar for a variety of insects, contributing to the biodiversity of the regions where they are found.

Botanists and plant enthusiasts appreciate the Bracted Plantain not only for its ecological contributions but also for its historical significance in the classification of North American flora. The detailed description by Michx. in the early 19th century has provided a foundational understanding of this plant, ensuring its recognition and study in botanical literature.

In summary, the Bracted Plantain is a remarkable example of the diversity within the Plantaginaceae family, notable for its unique bracts and widespread presence across North America. Its historical documentation and continued observation highlight its enduring relevance in the study of native plants.

Common Names

Deu: begrannter wegerich
Eng: bracted plantain, buckhorn, largebracted plantain, large-bracted plantain, bristly plantain
Ces: skorocel ostitý
Swe: borstkämpar
Fra: plantain aristé
En: Bracted plantain, Buckhorn, Largebracted plantain, BOTTLEBRUSH INDIANWHEAT, Large-bracted plantain, Bristly plantain
Zh: Mang bao che qian, 芒苞车前
Cs: Skorocel ostitý
Fi: Vihneratamo
Fr: Plantain aristé
De: Begrannter Wegerich
Pt-br: Tanchagem-bracteada, Transagem-bracteada
Sv: Borstkämpar
Zh-hant: 芒苞車前

Synonyms

• Plantago verticillata (E.Morris)
• Plantago patagonica var. aristata ((Michx.) A.Gray)
• Plantago gnaphalioides var. aristata ((Michx.) Hook.)
• Plantago frankii (Steud.)
• Plantago aristata var. nuttallii ((Rapin) E.Morris)
• Plantago curta (Engelm. ex Decne.)
• Plantago nuttallii (Rapin)
• Plantago mollis (Hook. & Arn.)
• Plantago purshii var. aristata ((Michx.) M.E.Jones)
• Plantago aristata var. minuta (T.K.Zheng & X.S.Wan)
• Plantago squarrosa (Nutt.)
• Plantago filiformis (Decne.)

Distribution

• Alabama (native)
• Arkansas (native)
• California (native)
• Connecticut (native)
• Delaware (native)
• District of Columbia (native)
• Florida (native)
• Georgia (native)
• Illinois (native)
• Indiana (native)
• Iowa (native)
• Kansas (native)
• Kentucky (native)
• Louisiana (native)
• Maine (native)
• Maryland (native)
• Masachusettes (native)
• Michigan (native)
• Minnesota (native)
• Mississippi (native)
• Missouri (native)
• Nebraska (native)
• New Hampshire (native)
• New Jersey (native)
• New Mexico (native)
• New York (native)
• North Carolina (native)
• Nova Scotia (native)
• Ohio (native)
• Oklahoma (native)
• Ontario (native)
• Oregon (native)
• Pennsylvania (native)
• Rhode I. (native)
• South Carolina (native)
• South Dakota (native)
• Tennessee (native)
• Texas (native)
• Vermont (native)
• Virginia (native)
• Washington (native)
• West Virginia (native)
• China North-Central (introduced)
• China Southeast (introduced)
• Free State (introduced)
• Hawaii (introduced)
• Korea (introduced)
• KwaZulu-Natal (introduced)
• Northern Provinces (introduced)
• Wisconsin (introduced)

Additional Images

Flower

Taken Jul 10, 2021 by Natures Fairy (cc-by-sa)

Taken Jun 1, 2010 by Genghis Attenborough (cc-by-sa)

Taken Jun 1, 2022 by Victoria Cutter (cc-by-sa)

Taken Apr 30, 2020 by Jay Carper (cc-by-sa)

Taken Jul 15, 2001 by EOL − Darel Hess (cc-by-nc-sa)

Habit

Taken May 4, 2013 by EOL − Michael P. Riggs (cc-by-nc)

Taken Mar 10, 2015 by EOL − Jordan Zylstra (public)

Taken Jan 1, 1900 by EOL − Haug, E. (cc-by-nc-sa)

Taken Jan 1, 1900 by EOL − Smithsonian Institution, National Museum of Natural History, Department of Botany (cc-by-nc-sa)

Taken Jan 1, 1900 by EOL − Zylstra, J. (cc-by-nc-sa)

Leaf

Taken Jun 1, 2022 by Victoria Cutter (cc-by-sa)

Taken Jun 30, 2020 by Jamie Rednour (cc-by-sa)

Other

Taken Apr 30, 2020 by Jay Carper (cc-by-sa)

© copyright of the Board of Trustees of the Royal Botanic Gardens, Kew.

Sources

• WFO (No URL)
• IPNI (No URL)
• POWO (http://powo.science.kew.org/taxon/urn:lsid:ipni.org:names:684890-1)
• GBIF (https://www.gbif.org/species/3189696)
• PlantNet (https://identify.plantnet.org/species/the-plant-list/Plantago aristata Michx.)

Specifications

Growth habit>: Forb/herb

Growth