Flower:

Up to 100 stalked flower heads in flat-topped branching clusters, 3 to 10 inches across, at the top of the stem and uppermost leaf axils. Flower heads are about 1/6 inch across, made up of 5 greenish to creamy white disk flowers, each with 5 tightly curled petals. Brown columns of yellow-tipped stamens and brown styles with split tips project well above the petals.

Below the flowers is a cylindrical tube, 1/3 to 3/8 inch long, of 5 light green, oblong bracts with conspicuous white wings along their length. The cluster stalks are light green, smooth and round with a small scale-like bract at their base.

Leaves and stems:

Leaves are mostly basal, thick and firm, the surfaces smooth with prominent longitudinal nerves, the lowest leaves 2½ to 7½ inches long, ¾ to 3½ inches wide, the edges often wavy and smooth or with shallow teeth, and on a long stalk. Basal leaf shape can be variable but typically egg-shaped, elliptical or spoon-like, sometimes narrowly lance-elliptic. The basal clump may be dense with dozens of leaves or just a few leaves around the stem.

Leaves become smaller as they ascend the stem, the blade more broadly egg-shaped with more pronounced, coarse teeth and a shorter stalk. The stem is erect, unbranched, stout, hairless with reddish longitudinal lines.

Fruit:

Fruit is a small, dark brown, bullet shaped seed (achene) with a tuft of spreading white hairs at the tip.

Notes:

Tuberous Indian Plantain was once common in the rich, moist prairies of southeastern Minnesota, but the conversion of most of its habitat to agricultural fields threatens its existence. According to the DNR, the continued conversion of what habitat still remains, along with other practices like heavy grazing, mowing and herbicide use, continue the attrition of its already dwindled numbers. It was listed as a Minnesota Threatened species in 1984 and is currently listed as a Special Concern species in Wisconsin. Tuberous Indian Plantain is easily identified by the winged phyllaries on the flower heads. The leaves are frequently found full of holes, probably from beetles.