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.