This perennial is found growing on practically all soils and is often mistaken for an annual. Leaves are large, rounded, have wavy edges and are from three to six inches in length. The entire rosette lies flat on the ground, and has a tendency to suffocate desirable grasses. Seeds are compressed along more than half the length of five to ten inch stalks. There are two species of broad-leaved plantain, and they are very similar in appearance. Rugel's Plantain has a purplish cast to the stems, and leaves are shiny green. Common Plantain has a short, pale green stem, and leaves are covered with short hairs that make it rough to the touch. Both species are correctly referred to as either plantain, or broad-leaved plantain.