Plantago elongata

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Plantago elongata
Plantago elongata (7457389188).jpg
Scientific classification OOjs UI icon edit-ltr.svg
Kingdom: Plantae
Clade: Tracheophytes
Clade: Angiosperms
Clade: Eudicots
Clade: Asterids
Order: Lamiales
Family: Plantaginaceae
Genus: Plantago
Species:
P. elongata
Binomial name
Plantago elongata

Plantago elongata is a species of plantain known by the common names prairie plantain and slender plantain.

It is native to much of western North America, from British Columbia to California and as far east as Minnesota. It grows in wet habitats, such as vernal pools and wet meadows, including areas with saline and alkali soils, such as beaches.

Plantago elongata, in Montana Plantago elongata (7457390096).jpg
Plantago elongata, in Montana

Description

Plantago elongata is a petite annual herb producing a few narrow linear or threadlike basal leaves up to 10 centimeters (3.9 in) long.

The stemlike inflorescences grow erect to a maximum height around 18 centimeters (7.1 in). Atop the peduncle of the inflorescence is a spike of several tiny flowers each with a rounded or oval calyx of sepals covered with thick, fleshy green bracts.