Hasteola suaveolens

An imposing rhizomatous perennial that looks like it came straight from the prairie, sweet Indian plantain is native as far east as New England, with one extant population in Connecticut.  It may have been indigenous to Rhode Island at one time.  Clumps of bold arrow-shaped basal leaves give rise to towering stems with lance-shaped foliage.  Silver-white, thimble-shaped flowerheads appear in branching clusters in summer.

Full sun to light shade; average to moist soil; 6'x4'; midsummer to fall; RI native?; Zone 4

Propagated from seed; deep 3.5-inch pots

Photo: aarongunnar