Narrow-leaf Plantain Plantago lanceolata

A common edible weed in the plantain family Plantaginaceae.  Its leaves can be eaten both raw or cooked. It is often seen on cultivated land, lawns, and pastures.  The only weed it is likely to be confused with is the broadleaf plantain (Plantago major) although the leaves are much narrower and easy to tell apart when the plants are next to each other.  Another way to distinguish the two weeds is to look at the brown fruits.  Narrow-leaved plantain seeds are clustered closer to the tip of the stem while broad-leaved plantain seeds are much further down the stem. The plantains tend not to have a standard tap-root like the other flat-weeds. There is a definite crown just below ground level. 

Each flower is replaced by a seed capsule of an ovoid or oblongoid shape.  The capsule splits on the lower portion, releasing 2 small seeds.  The seeds are dark brown or black and indented on one side. 

A hermaphrodite (both male and female organs) plant that is pollinated by wind, flies, and beetles.