About Plantago rugelii Decne.
This perennial herb, Plantago rugelii Decne., grows from a taproot and a fibrous root system. Extracts from its roots have been shown to inhibit nematode hatching. It produces a basal rosette of wide oval leaves, which have longitudinal veining and a somewhat waxy texture. The base of the leaf petiole may be reddish or purple. A leafless flowering stalk (scape) bears clusters of whitish flowers. Its fruit is a capsule roughly half a centimeter long that holds several seeds, and splits open down its middle. Plantago major is very similar in appearance, but differs from Plantago rugelii by lacking red or purple tinge on petiole bases, and having darker, waxier leaves. Plantago rugelii is commonly found in meadows, woodland borders, stream banks, lawns, gardens, and areas near paved surfaces.
