Plantago elongata
Fl. Amer. Sept. 2: 729. 1813.
Annuals; roots taproots, slender. Stems 0–5(–7) mm. Leaves 10–70 × (0.8–)1–2 mm; blade linear to almost filiform, margins entire, veins conspicuous or not, surfaces glabrous or hairy. Scapes 10–80 mm, glabrous or hairy. Spikes greenish, brownish, or gray, (30–)50–150 mm, densely or loosely flowered; bracts ovate, 2–2.5 mm, length 0.8–1.2 times sepals. Flowers: sepals 2–2.5 mm; corolla radially symmetric, lobes spreading or reflexed, not forming a beak, 0.5–1 mm, base obtuse; stamens 2. Seeds (3 or)4–9(–12), 1.5–2.5 mm. 2n = 12, 20, 36.
Phenology: Flowering spring–early summer.
Habitat: Mostly moist soils.
Elevation: 0–2100 m.
Distribution
Alta., B.C., Man., Sask., Ariz., Calif., Colo., Idaho, Kans., Minn., Mont., Nebr., N.Mex., N.Dak., Okla., Oreg., S.Dak., Tex., Utah, Wash., Wyo., Mexico (Baja California).
Discussion
Purported differences between Plantago bigelovii and P. elongata (I. J. Bassett 1966) do not appear to be taxonomically meaningful.
Selected References
None.