BLACKSEED PLANTAIN, Plantago rugelii Dcne. 1, whole plant; 2, mature seed pod; 3, seeds. Perennial, reproducing by seeds. Roots mostly fibrous. Stems erect, leafless, 6 to 12 inches (15 to 30 cm) tall, terminating in the flower spike. Leaves simple, broad, egg-shaped, usually wavy-edged, veins conspicuous, base of petiole purplish. Flowers numerous, petals inconspicuous, in spikes on the ends of the stems. Seed pods nearly cylindrical, about 3/16 inch (4.5 mm) long, splitting across the lower half, containing numerous seeds. Seeds dark brown or black, angular, with a scar near center on one side. Found on damp, rich soils, especially where shaded. Common in lawns.

 BROADLEAF PLANTAIN, Plantago major L. 4, mature seed pod; 5, seeds. Similar to the above species. Stems shorter. Leaves smaller and without purplish coloration at base of petiole. Seed pod nearly spherical, splitting across upper half. Seeds light to dark brown, covered with fine ridges.