Flower are numerous, petals inconspicuous, in short cylindrical spikes at ends of stems. Seedpods are two-seeded, splitting across the middle. Seeds are small, brown, shiny, smooth, boat-shaped, with an indentation in the middle of one side, and sticky when damp. There is also a Broadleaf Plantain that has broad, egg-shaped leaves with petioles, and the seed pods are in a cylindrical pattern on the upper several inches of the stem. A perennial reproducing from seeds and horizontal roots.
Roots extend several feet deep and some distance horizontally.
Leaves usually with crinkled edges and spiny margins, somewhat lobed, and smooth. Flower heads numerous, compact, about three-fourths of an inch or less in diameter, of lavender disk flowers only. Surrounded by bracts without spiny tips. Male and female flowers usually contained in separate heads and borne on different plants. Seed is attached to tannish down that is easily broken off.