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Native Plant Society of Texas

Indian Plantain

Arnoglossum plantagineum

Other common name(s):

Prairie Indian Plantain, Spring Plantain, Groovestem Indian Plantain, Arnoglossum

Family:

Asteraceae (Aster Family)

Plant Ecoregion Distribution Map

This map uses data from the US EPA. EPA  servers have been offline frequently so maps may not display. We are working on a solution.

Cross Timbers, Edwards Plateau, Gulf Coast Prairies and Marshes, Texas Blackland Prairies, Western Gulf Coastal Plain
Carbonate Cross Timbers, Eastern Cross Timbers, Grand Prairie, Limestone Cut Plain, Western Cross Timbers
Balcones Canyonlands
Northern Humid Gulf Coastal Prairies
Floodplains and Low Terraces1, Northern Blackland Prairie, Southern Blackland Prairie
Flatwoods, Red River Bottomlands

Plant Characteristics

Growth Form

Herbaceous

Height

1
to
5
ft.

Spread

1.5
to
3
ft.

Leaf Retention

Deciduous

Lifespan

Perennial

Habitat and Care Requirements

Soil Type(s)

Loam, Rich, Moist

Light Requirement

Sun

Water Requirement

Medium, High

Native Habitat

Grassland, Woodland, Wetland or Riparian

Bloom and Attraction

Bloom Color

White

Bloom Season

Spring, Summer

Seasonal Interest

Nectar, Larval Host, Flowers

Wildlife Benefit

Beetles, Butterflies, Nectar Insects, Moths, Bees

Maintenance

While the flowerheads are not particularly showy, the thick rubbery leaves provide a presence that is quite interesting. Water the plant so that the soil is evenly moist but not soggy, allowing the top 1 to 2 inches of soil to dry out between waterings. Water deeply to provide the tuberous rhizomes with moisture several inches below the soil surface. During winter, reduce watering to allow the plant to go dormant. Makes a great addition to any pocket prairie or meadow landscape Native habitat: prefers rich, moist soil in prairies, fields and open woods, wet meadows and stream banks. This plant tolerates occasional periods of standing water.

Comments

Blooms: May-August, Short stems grow from a tuberous-thickened base and fleshy-fibrous roots. The foliage is striking, with glossy, oval leaves that occur mostly at the plant base. Inconspicuous flowers are born in clusters on a single tall stalk., A tuft of bristly hairs surrounds the ovoid, somewhat flattened seeds. Larval host: Lizard beetle, {Languria bicolor), Gracillariid Moth (Phyllocnistis insignis).
Previous Scientific Name(s): Cacalia plantaginea, Cacalia pteranthes, Cacalia tuberosa, Mesadenia tuberosa

References

Learn about how to propagate Texas native plants.

Material Treatment Method Collection References
Seed Stratification Seeds germinate after a period of cold-moist stratification to break dormancy Mix seeds with equal amounts of moist (but not wet) sand, vermiculite, or sterile media. Place mixture in a sealed plastic bag and store in refrigerator at 33-38 degrees F. Stratify for 60 days. Some seeds may sprout in the bag. If so, plant them immediately. Germlination in 30-60 days after treatment. 1) https://www.prairiemoon.com/arnoglossum-plantagineum-prairie-indian-plantain#panel-planting 2) https://earthone.io/plant/arnoglossum%20plantagineum 3) https://ferriseeds.com/products/arnoglossum-plantagineum-br-prairie-indian-plantain#:~:text=Growing%20information,days%20after%20the%20warming%20period.
Seed No Treatment A less complicated method is to let nature handle the stratification by sowing seeds directly in the soil in late fall or winter. Seeds will be conditioned by weathering to make germination possible in the spring. 1) https://www.prairiemoon.com/arnoglossum-plantagineum-prairie-indian-plantain#panel-planting 2) https://earthone.io/plant/arnoglossum%20plantagineum 3) https://npn.rngr.net/renderNPNProtocolDetails?selectedProtocolIds=asteraceae-arnoglossum-257
Clump Division Carefully separate the root clumps and replant them in suitable soil. Division is best done in early spring or late fall. https://earthone.io/plant/arnoglossum%20plantagineum

About the Region

Fall Symposium 2025 Logo - Teach for the Future

Salado, the location of our Fall 2025 Symposium, lies at the intersection of two ecoregions: the Edwards Plateau (Limestone Cut Plain) and Blackland Prairie (Northern Blackland Prairie).

The Edwards Plateau area is also called the Hill Country; however, this general term covers a much larger area extending farther north. Spring-fed creeks are found throughout the region; deep limestone canyons, rivers, and lakes (reservoirs) are common. Ashe juniper is perhaps the most common woody species found throughout the region. Additional woody species include various species of oak, with live oak (Quercus fusiformis) being the most common. Sycamores (Platanus occidentalis) and bald cypress (Taxodium distichum) border waterways. This area is well known for its spring wildflower displays, though they may be viewed in spring, late summer, and fall, as well. According to Texas Parks and Wildlife, average annual rainfall in the Edwards Plateau ranges from 15 to 34 inches.

The Blackland Prairie extends from the Red River south to San Antonio, bordered on the west by the Edwards Plateau and the Cross Timbers, and on the east by the Post Oak Savannah. Annual rainfall averages 30 to 40 inches, with higher averages to the east. This region is dominated by prairie species. The most common grass species include little bluestem (Schizachyrium scoparium) and Indian grass (Sorghastrum nutans) in the uplands and switchgrass (Panicum virgatum) in the riparian areas and drainages. Common herbaceous flowering plants include salvias, penstemons, and silphiums. This area has suffered greatly from overgrazing and agricultural use. Few intact areas remain, though many of the plants can be found along county roadsides throughout the region.

Our fall Symposium host chapter, the Tonkawa Chapter, includes both of these ecoregions.

Source: Wildflowers of Texas by Michael Eason