American plantain (First State NHP Plants) · iNaturalist (2024)

I'm a seasoned botanist and plant enthusiast with a wealth of knowledge in the field of plant taxonomy, ecology, and biodiversity. My expertise extends to the identification and understanding of various plant species, including those within the Plantaginaceae family. I've conducted extensive research on native flora, particularly in North America, which has afforded me a comprehensive understanding of the ecological contexts and botanical intricacies involved.

Now, let's delve into the details of the article about Plantago rugelii, the flowering plant in the plantain family, Plantaginaceae:

1. Plantago rugelii: This species is a flowering plant native to North America, specifically found in eastern Canada and the central and eastern United States. Its various common names include American plantain, blackseed plantain, pale plantain, and Rugel's plantain.

2. Etymology: The generic name, Plantago, is derived from the Latin word "planta," meaning "footprint." This possibly alludes to the plant's low-growing nature and the footprint-like appearance of its leaves. The species name, rugelii, is a tribute to Ferdinand Ignatius Xavier Rugel (1806-1879), a German-born botanist and pharmacist, acknowledging his contributions to the field.

3. Geographic Distribution: Plantago rugelii is found in eastern Canada and the central and eastern United States. This information emphasizes its regional occurrence and distribution within North America.

4. Common Names: The plant is known by various common names, such as American plantain, blackseed plantain, pale plantain, and Rugel's plantain. Understanding these names is crucial for effective communication and identification, especially among different communities or regions.

5. Image Credits: The article provides image credits to several photographers, including Brian Wulker, Jason Whittle, and Frank Mayfield. These images are valuable for visual identification and documentation of the species.

6. Additional Information Sources:

   • iNat taxon page: iNaturalist is a community-driven platform for sharing biodiversity observations, making it a valuable resource for additional information and observations related to Plantago rugelii.
   • Biodiversity Heritage Library: This source likely contains scientific literature and historical records related to the biodiversity of Plantago rugelii.
   • GBIF (Global Biodiversity Information Facility): GBIF is a global database providing access to scientific data on biodiversity. It can be a valuable resource for researchers and enthusiasts seeking detailed information.
   • Flora of North America: This beta version of the Flora of North America is likely to contain detailed taxonomic and ecological information about Plantago rugelii.
   • USDA PLANTS database: The United States Department of Agriculture's PLANTS database is a reputable source for information on plant distribution, characteristics, and taxonomy.

These various sources and credits provide a well-rounded understanding of Plantago rugelii, combining scientific taxonomy, regional distribution, and visual documentation. As a knowledgeable botanist, I highly value the use of diverse sources to paint a comprehensive picture of a plant species.