PLANTAIN FAMILY. 



219 



(including the spike of flowers, which varies from 2 - 12 or 15 inches in length) . Bracteoleg 

 lanceolate, keeled, appresscd. shorter than the calyx. Corolla whitish, inconspicuous 

 ventricose below, contracted into a neck above, shrivelling and persistent. Stamens' 

 about twice as long as the corolla. 



Moist rich grounds, along foot-paths, &c.; throughout the United States: introduced. 

 Native of Europe and Japan. Fl. June - September. Fr. August -October. 



Obs. This foreigner is very generally naturalized ; and is remarkable 

 for accompanying civilized man growing along his footpaths, and 

 flourishing around his settlements. It is said our Aborigines call it 

 " the white man's foot," from th's circumstance. Perhaps the generic 

 name (Plantago) may be expressive of a similar idea viz., Plantd, the 



FIG. 148. Common Plantahi (Plautago major), reduced. 



