August 2006
Ohio Prairie Plant of the MonthSpecies
Common Name Pale Indian-plantain
Latin Name: Arnoglossum atriplicifolium (formerly Cacalia atriplicifolia)
[Pronounced: "arn -oh-GLOSS-um atra-pliss-ih-FOL-ee-um"]
Type of Plant: Prairie Forb
Identification Helps: Tall, to 6-ft, with flat spray of flowers at top. Maple-like leaves all close to the stem.
Similar Species: There are none.
Preferred Growing Conditions in the Wild: This prairie forb tends to grow in lighter soils, seldom or never in clay.
Seasons of Growth and Bloom: This forb blooms from July through August.
Natural Distribution in Ohio: It grows throughout all of Ohio's prairie regions, but tends to be rare or uncommon.
Description and General Information: Arnoglossum atriplicifolium is easy to identify, with its long tall flat-topped seed heads and maple-like leaves.