Carol Cloud Bailey
Family
Plantaginaceae
Botanical Name
Plantago major
Plant Common Name
Common Plantain
General Description
Blemishing lawns worldwide with its leaf rosettes and its rat-tail inflorescences, this hardy perennial is native to Eurasia but naturalized globally.
The dull green, paddle-shaped leaves have a broad oval blade and a long flattened stalk ("petiole"). Several deep parallel veins run from the base to the tip of the leaf blade. In summer, numerous homely spikes of greenish, wind-pollinated flowers are borne on shin-high stems. This semi-evergreen perennial spreads via self-sowing, which is often prolific.
Broadleaf plantain flourishes in sun and rich soil but tolerates a wide range of conditions. Control its spread by digging plants before they set seed. Purple-leaved varieties of this weed are occasionally cultivated, as is a form with leafy flower spikes.
Characteristics
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AHS Heat Zone
12 - 1
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USDA Hardiness Zone
2 - 15
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Plant Type
Perennial
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Sun Exposure
Full Sun, Partial Sun
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Height
4"-12" / 10.2cm - 30.5cm
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Width
10"-16" / 25.4cm - 40.6cm
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Bloom Time
Late Spring, Early Summer, Summer, Late Summer, Early Fall
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Native To
Europe, Asia
Growing Conditions
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Soil pH
Acidic, Neutral, Alkaline
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Soil Drainage
Average
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Soil type
Clay, Loam, Sand
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Tolerances
Drought, Salt, Soil Compaction
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Growth Rate
Fast
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Water Requirements
Drought Tolerant, Average Water
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Habit
Rosette/Stemless
Ornamental Features
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Flower Interest
None
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Flower Color
Green
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Fruit Color
Tan
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Foliage Color (Spring)
Green
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Foliage Color (Summer)
Green
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Foliage Color (Fall)
Green
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Fragrant Flowers
No
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Fragrant Fruit
No
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Fragrant Foliage
No
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Bark or Stem Fragrant
No
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Repeat Bloomer
Yes
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Showy Fruit
No
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Edible Fruit
No
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Showy Foliage
No
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Foliage Texture
Medium
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Foliage Sheen
Matte
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Evergreen
Semi-Evergreen
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Showy Bark
No
Special Characteristics
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Sharp or Has Thorns
No
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Invasive
Yes
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Self-Sowing
Yes
