About
Plantago lanceolata, ribwort plantain, is a low-growing, hardy perennial with a long taproot and rosettes of ribbed, lance-shaped, green leaves. Leafless spikes to 45 cm produce tightly clustered, brown flowers with creamy-white anthers throughout the summer. A native grassland wildflower and important food plant for moth and butterfly caterpillars, valuable in a wildflower meadow.
About the genus
Plantago, the plantains, are annuals, perennials and subshrubs with simple, broad or narrow leaves in basal rosettes and slender, cylindrical or ovoid spikes of small, wind-pollinated flowers. Most are common grassland plants; some are ornamental.
Growing conditions
SunlightFull sun
Soil typeChalk, Loam, Sand
Soil pHAcid, Alkaline, Neutral
Soil moistureWell-drained
AspectSouth-facing, West-facing
ExposureExposed, Sheltered
UK hardinessH7
Plant details
Plant typeHerbaceous Perennial, Annual Biennial
HabitClump forming
FoliageSemi evergreen
Height0.1-0.5 metres
Spread0.1-0.5 metres
Time to full height1-2 years
Suggested usesWildlife gardens
Native toEurope, N Africa, SW Asia
Care notes
CultivationPrefers well-drained soil and an open, sunny position. Salt tolerant and often found in coastal areas and alongside salt treated roads
PruningNo pruning required
PropagationPropagate by seed
Pest resistanceGenerally pest-free
Disease resistanceGenerally disease-free