Arnoglossum reniforme aka Great Indian Plantain

Arnoglossum reniforme is a tall plant called great Indian plantain. It is an herbaceous perennial: it has soft stems and lives for years. It belongs to the daisy family, Asteraceae. It is native to the north-central and eastern United States. In Missouri, it grows in woods and on wooded slopes. These sites often have lime-rich soil. It grows in the state's southern, central, and eastern parts. It has two older names: Arnoglossum muehlenbergii and Cacalia muehlenbergii.

Plants tend to reach 3–6 feet [0.91–1.83 metres] tall. Some reach 9 feet [2.74 metres], beyond the usual garden range. They can spread to 4 feet [1.22 metres] wide. This gives them a large presence in a planted bed. The green leaves are round, with a kidney-like shape. Their edges have teeth. The species name refers to the shape of the leaves. Stiff stems hold the flowers and seldom need stakes. Plants grown from seed form large basal leaves in year one. These leaves grow at the base of the plant. Flower stems may not form until year two or three.

Small, whitish flowers grow in groups above the leaves. These flat-topped groups are called corymbs. Each flower has the shape of a tube. Missouri Botanical Garden lists the bloom season as May to September. It also describes bloom from mid-spring into late summer. The flower heads make a display above the broad leaves. Both the leaves and tall flower stems give the plant its form.

Grow this plant in full sun or part shade. It grows well in average soil that drains well. It needs a moderate amount of water. It prefers neutral to lime-rich soil. Missouri Botanical Garden rates its water needs as medium. The plant is easy to grow and needs little care. It suits USDA hardiness zones 3–8. It also sets seed with ease and spreads in sites that suit it. Keep this in mind when choosing its place in a garden.

Use it in woodland plantings or wild and native plant gardens. It also fits cottage gardens where plants can spread by seed. Groups add height and leaves at the back of a border. Its size suits the back more than a prominent front spot. Missouri Botanical Garden finds it has limited appeal as a border's main feature. It also notes that nurseries seldom sell the plant. Its account reports no serious insect or disease problems.