1. Plantaginaceae The Snapdragon Family

2. Vegetative Features - Herbs with round stems - leaves alternate or opposite

3. Reproductive Features - Flowers 4- or 5-partate, usually zygomorphic, often bilabiate (two-lipped)

4. Androecium commonly of 4 didynamous stamens fused to the
corolla. (Two stamens in the genus Veronica.)

5. In many genera and
species, a fifth stamen
is present, modified as
a staminode.

6. Ovary superior, of two fused carpels
Style terminal
Fruit a many-seeded capsule

7. Plantaginaceae
Ca4-5 Coz4-5 A2,4 G2

8. Economic Importance:
Digitalis (foxglove) is the source of
digitalin, a cardiac glycoside used in
the treatment of heart disease.
Also numerous ornamentals,
e.g., foxglove, snapdragon

9. Local Flora Chelone glabra turtlehead Veronica americana
American brooklime

10. Nuttallanthus canadensis
Canada toadflax
Plantago major
Plantain

11. Pedicularis canadensis
Orobanchaceae
Plants with similar flower structure that are hemi-parasitic (they do photosynthesis, but are also root parasites) have recently been placed in the family Orobanchaceae, along with fully parasitic plants such as beechdrops.
Melampyrum lineare
cow-wheat
Pedicularis canadensis
lousewort