PLAXTAIX FAMILY. 



219 



(including the spike of flowers, whicli varies from 2-12 or 15 inches in Isngtb) . .Bradeoleg 

 lanceolate, keeled, appressed, 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 this circumstance. Perhaps the generic 

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



Fig. 148. Common Plantain (Plantago major), reduced. 



