Blackseed plantain, Rugel's plantain
Plantago rugelii
Family: Plantaginaceae
What it is like
A herb. It keeps growing from year to year. It grows 7-30 cm tall. It has a taproot and produces a ring of leaves at the base. They are broadly oval with veins along them. The base of the leaf stalk is reddish. Leaves can be 35 cm long and 12-18 cm wide. The leaf stalk can be 2 cm across. The flowers are in a narrow green pike. They have 4 triangle shaped petals. They are white and folded back at the tip. The seed capsules are elongated.
The plantains or Plantaginaceae are mostly in temperate regions. There are about 165 Plantago species.
Where it is found
It is a temperate plant. It grows in moist soil and can tolerate some shade.
Countries/locations it is found in
Canada, North America (country/location of origin), USA
How it is used for food
Young leaves can be chopped and added to salads.
Edible parts
Leaves