About Plantago patagonica Jacq.
Plantago patagonica Jacq. is a species of plantain commonly known as woolly plantain. It is native to large portions of North America, including the southern half of Canada, the western and central United States, and northern Mexico, as well as to parts of southern South America. It can grow in many different habitat types, including grassland, desert, and woodlands. This plant is a hairy annual herb that produces linear or very narrowly lance-shaped basal leaves, which reach up to 10 centimetres, or 4 inches, in length. It usually produces many stemlike inflorescences that grow erect to a maximum height of around 15 centimetres, or 6 inches. At the top of the inflorescence's peduncle sits a dense cylindrical or somewhat conical spike holding several tiny flowers and bracts. This spike is very woolly. Native American groups including the Navajo, Puebloans, and Hopi used this plant as both a medicinal and ceremonial plant. The Navajo and Puebloans used it to treat headaches, diarrhea, and babies' colic, and also to reduce appetite and prevent obesity. Woolly plantain acts as a host species for the Edith's checkerspot butterfly.
