Arnoglossum atriplicifolium aka Pale Indian Plantain

Arnoglossum atriplicifolium is known as pale Indian plantain. This tall perennial belongs to the aster family. Its native range covers north-central and eastern parts of the United States. It grows in woods, thickets, prairies, and wet meadows. It also occurs on slopes and beside streams. Cacalia atriplicifolia is an older name for the same species.

Garden plants reach 3–6 feet (0.91–1.83 m) tall. Some reach 8–9 feet (2.44–2.74 m). Their spread can reach 4 feet (1.22 m). Large leaves form a rosette at the base. These thick, fan-shaped leaves have coarse teeth and lobes. Sources report leaf widths from 0.5–1 foot (0.15–0.30 m). Their upper sides range from medium to dark green. A pale wax coating covers the undersides and stems. The smooth stalks range from pale green to pale purple. They stay unbranched below the flowers. Alternate leaves shrink in size farther up each stalk.

Small tubular flowers form broad, flat clusters above the leaves. Their colour ranges from white to yellow-green. Missouri Botanical Garden lists flowering from July to August. NC State gives a wider season, June to October. Stout stems hold the flower clusters without bending. Wasps, small bees, and flies cross-pollinate the flowers. Butterflies and moths also visit them. Small, smooth, ribbed achenes follow the blooms. These egg-shaped fruits can appear from June to November.

Grow this plant in sun or partial shade. It prefers moist soil that drains well and stays damp. NC State lists loam, sand, and shallow rocky soils. Acid to neutral soil suits it. Missouri Botanical Garden gives USDA hardiness zones 3–8. Plants grow fast, but seedlings first make basal leaves. Flower stalks may take two or three years to appear. Cutting spent stalks down to the basal leaves may prompt lower blooms. This species suits native gardens, meadows, and woodland plantings. Its height works at the back of borders. Its coarse form may not suit every formal bed.

Plants can spread through seed and crowd small gardens. Missouri Botanical Garden reports no major insect or disease problems. NC State lists resistance to deer and heat. Plants For A Future records cooked young leaves as food. It also records powdered leaves as a seasoning. Historical uses include leaf poultices for cuts and bruises. These records do not establish medical benefit. That source lists no known hazards, but does not establish pet safety.