Blackseed Plantain is the native North American counterpart to the introduced Common Plantain, distinguished by its purplish-red leaf bases, more slender flower spikes, and black seeds. It grows in similar disturbed, moist habitats but is particularly common in the eastern US. It is an important native food plant for many ground-nesting birds and small mammals. Ecologically it fills the same niche as Common Plantain in native habitats before that species arrived with European colonization.
Habitat
Moist disturbed ground, roadsides, woodland paths, lawns, and stream banks across eastern North America.
Diet
Black seeds consumed by sparrows, towhees, and small rodents; an important native food plant in disturbed habitats.
How common
Common
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