Arnoglossum plantagineum, Tuberous Indian Plantain, Quart pot - Coming in May 2024

Arnoglossum plantagineum, Tuberous Indian Plantain

FS-PS, Zone 4, Blooms June - July, 4’ x 2-3’, Moisture Medium-wet to Medium, Deer resistrant

There are many plantain varieties that are considered weeds that grow in sidewalk cracks, lawns, and playgrounds. We are always happy to see these medicinal plants popping up in our gardens. If you ever get stung by a bee or wasp, find a plantain plant, remove a leaj and chew it to make a wad to place on the sting. It’s almost miraculous how quickly it will relieve the sting. Plantains have chemical compounds that promote wound healing, reduce inflamation, and improve digestion.

Tuberous Indian Plantain, the shortest of the Indian Plantains, reaches a maximum height of merely 4 feet. While the flowers of the Prairie Indian Plantain are attractive and interesting, it’s the distinct rubbery and glossy appearance of the leaves that truly steal the spotlight. This plant is a fantastic complement to wet meadows or prairie landscapes. It prefers soil with organic matter and will tolerate some standing water.

This plantain was at one time easily found, especially in wetland areas. Most of its native area has been destroyed by urbanization and it’s endangered in some midwest areas.. The plant grows from coarse fiberous roots and can also spread by seed. You can propagate it yourself by Winter Sowing. Spread the seeds and slightly bury them in the fall so that stratification will occur naturally.

This plant is a host plant for several moth species and it attracts Halictid bees, a mix of wasps, small bees, and flies. Heather Holmes, in her book, Pollinators of Native Plants , writes, “Nectar is secreted at the base of the style and rises up the corolla allowing access to short-tongued wasps. During hot summer days, wasps have shown a preference for more dilute nectar sources. Pale Indian plantain’s white flowers, with nectar replenished from the base of the corolla, may help keep the nectar cool and more dilute."

Heather also documents the Clematis clearwing moth (Alcathoe caudata) as a visitor of the plant, especially when growing near the moth's host plant of virgin’s bower (Clematis virginiana).

Provides seeds for birds.

Wild Type cannot assure our purchase. We certainly hope to have them! We will refund any order we cannot deliver!