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Plantains (Plantago)
Plantains are a diverse, and widely distributed group of flowering plants. Though they may have the name "Plantain," they are unrelated to culinary plantains. Plantains tend to have large rosettes of leaves, but their wind-pollinated flowers are neither large nor showy. As a result, few are cultivated for ornamental purposes. They are found in many habitats worldwide but are often considered weeds.
Lifespan
Perennial
Key Facts About Plantains
Feedback
Attributes of Plantains
Flower Color
White
Yellow
Leaf type
Semi-evergreen
Scientific Classification of Plantains
Distribution of Plantains
Feedback
Distribution Map of Plantains
Native
Cultivated
Invasive
Potentially invasive
Exotic
No species reported
How to Grow and Care for Plantains
Feedback
Plantains is a versatile and robust plant genus that enjoys sunny environments with moderately moist soil. Basic care includes regular watering, but overwatering should be avoided. The plants appreciate a cooler temperature range and well-draining soil. Common challenges for plantains include pests such as caterpillars and aphids, and diseases including leaf spot and powdery mildew. Plantains requires no particularly exceptional seasonal care, but spring pruning can promote healthier growth. Ensuring it's safeguarded from frost damage in winter will help maintain a thriving plant across the year.
How to Water Plantains?
What Are the Sunlight Requirements for Plantains?
How to Propagate Plantains?
How to Plant Plantains?
Exploring the Plantains Plants
Feedback
8 most common species：
Ribwort plantain
Ribwort plantain grows in a number of different habitats as long as it has enough sunlight. Its leaves have characteristic parallel veins that make it easy to identify. The heads of ribwort plantains get popped off in some common British children's games. Its seeds are critical food sources for songbirds, and its leaves are eaten by rabbits and deer.
Common plantain
While native to Europe, the common plantain was one of the first plants to reach North America through early European explorers. Native Americans have referred to Plantago major as 'white man's footprint', as it disrupted many local ecosystems by its introduction.
Virginia plantain
Virginia plantain (Plantago virginica) is a perennial wildflower that can grow to be 15 to 30 cm tall. It blooms from spring to summer with 15 cm tall flower spikes that are filled white tiny white blossoms. It is native to Florida and valued as an astringent. The leaves stem and seeds are edible.
Blackseed plantain
Blackseed plantain (Plantago rugelii) is a plantain species native to eastern Canada and the central United States. The Latin name Plantago rugelii references Ferdinand Ignatius Xavier Rugel, a German-born botanist.
Hoary plantain
Hoary plantain is a member of the plantain family, but should not be confused with the banana-like, starchy fruit which is from a different family altogether. The flowers are pollinated by both bees and the wind. Birds are fond of the seeds, and hoary plantain seeds are even included in some commercial birdseed mixes.
Buck's horn plantain
The buck's horn plantain (Plantago coronopus) is an edible weed commonly found in lawns and backyards. The young leaves can be eaten raw or cooked, but older leaves may be too tough to be edible. This plant is hardy and can be grown as an annual or perennial.
Mediterranean plantain
Mediterranean plantain is an annual herb similar in appearance to Ribwort Plantain. However, it has broader leaves and bigger flower heads. Mediterranean plantain is a favorite with several insects and provides food for several butterfly and moth larvae.
Redseed plantain
Redseed plantain (Plantago rhodosperma) is an annual herbaceous plant that blooms in spring with greenish-white flowers that are small and grow along a flowering stalk. It is native to the Americas and is commonly found growing on roadsides from Nebraska to Mexico.
All Species of Plantains
Ribwort plantain
Ribwort plantain
Ribwort plantain grows in a number of different habitats as long as it has enough sunlight. Its leaves have characteristic parallel veins that make it easy to identify. The heads of ribwort plantains get popped off in some common British children's games. Its seeds are critical food sources for songbirds, and its leaves are eaten by rabbits and deer.
Common plantain
Common plantain
While native to Europe, the common plantain was one of the first plants to reach North America through early European explorers. Native Americans have referred to Plantago major as 'white man's footprint', as it disrupted many local ecosystems by its introduction.
Virginia plantain
Virginia plantain
Virginia plantain (Plantago virginica) is a perennial wildflower that can grow to be 15 to 30 cm tall. It blooms from spring to summer with 15 cm tall flower spikes that are filled white tiny white blossoms. It is native to Florida and valued as an astringent. The leaves stem and seeds are edible.
Blackseed plantain
Blackseed plantain
Blackseed plantain (Plantago rugelii) is a plantain species native to eastern Canada and the central United States. The Latin name Plantago rugelii references Ferdinand Ignatius Xavier Rugel, a German-born botanist.
Hoary plantain
Hoary plantain
Hoary plantain is a member of the plantain family, but should not be confused with the banana-like, starchy fruit which is from a different family altogether. The flowers are pollinated by both bees and the wind. Birds are fond of the seeds, and hoary plantain seeds are even included in some commercial birdseed mixes.
Buck's horn plantain
Buck's horn plantain
The buck's horn plantain (Plantago coronopus) is an edible weed commonly found in lawns and backyards. The young leaves can be eaten raw or cooked, but older leaves may be too tough to be edible. This plant is hardy and can be grown as an annual or perennial.
Mediterranean plantain
Mediterranean plantain
Mediterranean plantain is an annual herb similar in appearance to Ribwort Plantain. However, it has broader leaves and bigger flower heads. Mediterranean plantain is a favorite with several insects and provides food for several butterfly and moth larvae.
Redseed plantain
Redseed plantain
Redseed plantain (Plantago rhodosperma) is an annual herbaceous plant that blooms in spring with greenish-white flowers that are small and grow along a flowering stalk. It is native to the Americas and is commonly found growing on roadsides from Nebraska to Mexico.
Snakeroot
Snakeroot
Snakeroot is found in sunny, disturbed areas growing in clay, sand, and, rocky soil. It is a commonly cultivated plant in China, but in the United States, it is an invasive weed in lawns and gardens.
Sea plantain
Sea plantain
Sea plantain (Plantago maritima) is an herbaceous perennial plant that blooms small greenish-brown flowers in summer. Seeds ripen from summer to fall. It can tolerate harsh seaside climates and has a strong taproot that grows deep to act like an anchor.
Largebracted plantain
Largebracted plantain
Largebracted plantain (Plantago aristata) is indigenous to the eastern and central United States. Beyond its native range, it’s considered a noxious weed. Other names for it include awl-aster and subulate-bracted aster. It commonly grows by the sides of roads.
Glandular plantain
Glandular plantain
Glandular plantain can be found in Malta and the surrounding region, but the plant is not listed in the Red Data Book of the Maltese Islands. Its appearance is similar to other plants in the genus except for its broad leaves.
Wooly plantain
Wooly plantain
The wooly plantain (Plantago patagonica) is native to large areas of North America and grows in a variety of habitats. Its long, strap-like leaves are covered in white hairs. The flowers are greenish-white, inconspicuous, and clustered along tall stems, which are also woolly.
Prairie plantain
Prairie plantain
Another name for prairie plantain (Plantago elongata) is slender plantain. It’s a species that’s indigenous to western North America. It thrives best in wetlands of all types, such as freshwater marshes, ocean beaches and vernal pools. Although it was considered an endangered species at one time, it has made a comeback in recent years.
Desert indian wheat
Desert indian wheat
Plantago ovata, or desert indian wheat, is native to the southwestern United States, as well as western and southern Asia, where it grows wild and weedy in poor soil conditions. This low-growing plant is a member of the plantain family but bears no resemblance to the plantain you'd find in a grocery store. Starch from pulverized desert indian wheat seed husks is regularly used as clothing starch.
Sand plantain
Sand plantain
The sand plantain is a 50 cm-high Therophyte. The plant is spreading and has upright, branching, bushy growth. The stems are loosely bristly or have scattered glandular hairs. The leaves are linear-lanceolate, opposite, flat, thin, 3-nerved, 6 to 8 cm long, and 2.5 to 5 mm wide. They are divided at the base and have either entire or bluntly toothed edges. A basal leaf rosette is absent.
Plantago depressa
Plantago depressa
Plantago depressa is a low-growing perennial with a rosette of broad, oval leaves that typically hug close to the ground. Its inconspicuous flowers develop into small, brownish seed capsules. Thriving in open, sunny habitats, plantago depressa is resilient, adapting to compact soil where other plants may struggle. The flat profile of its leaves helps minimize moisture loss, suitably fitting it for drier conditions.
More Popular Genus
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Dracaena
Dracaena are popular house plants that are easy to grow. They can tolerate low-light conditions and require little watering. Their leaves range from variegated to dark green. Their characteristic traits include woody stems that grow slowly but offer a striking appearance for small spaces such as apartments or offices.
Fig trees
Fig trees have been cultivated in many regions for their fruits, particularly the common fig, F. carica. Most of the species have edible fruits, although the common fig is the only one of commercial value. Fig trees are also important food sources for wildlife in the tropics, including monkeys, bats, and insects.
Brambles
Brambles are members of the rose family, and there are hundreds of different types to be found throughout the European countryside. They have been culturally significant for centuries; Christian folklore stories hold that when the devil was thrown from heaven, he landed on a bramble bush. Their vigorous growth habit can tangle into native plants and take over.
Maples
The popular tree family known as maples change the color of their leaves in the fall. Many cultural traditions encourage people to watch the colors change, such as momijigari in Japan. Maples popular options for bonsai art. Alternately, their sap is used to create maple syrup.
Prunus
Prunus is a genus of flowering fruit trees that includes almonds, cherries, plums, peaches, nectarines, and apricots. These are often known as "stone fruits" because their pits are large seeds or "stones." When prunus trees are damaged, they exhibit "gummosis," a condition in which the tree's gum (similar to sap) is secreted to the bark to help heal external wounds.
Nightshades
Nightshades is a large and diverse genus of plants, with more than 1500 different types worldwide. This genus incorporates both important staple food crops like tomato, potato, and eggplant, but also dangerous poisonous plants from the nightshade family. The name was coined by Pliny the Elder almost two thousand years ago.
Roses
Most species of roses are shrubs or climbing plants that have showy flowers and sharp thorns. They are commonly cultivated for cut flowers or as ornamental plants in gardens due to their attractive appearance, pleasant fragrance, and cultural significance in many countries. The rose hips (fruits) can also be used in jams and teas.
Oaks
Oaks are among the world's longest-lived trees, sometimes growing for over 1,000 years! The oldest known oak tree is in the southern United States and is over 1,500 years old. Oaks produce an exceedingly popular type of wood which is used to make different products, from furniture and flooring to wine barrels and even cosmetic creams.
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About
Key Facts
Distribution
How To Care
All Species
More Genus
Plantains
Plantago
Plantains are a diverse, and widely distributed group of flowering plants. Though they may have the name "Plantain," they are unrelated to culinary plantains. Plantains tend to have large rosettes of leaves, but their wind-pollinated flowers are neither large nor showy. As a result, few are cultivated for ornamental purposes. They are found in many habitats worldwide but are often considered weeds.
Lifespan
Perennial
Key Facts About Plantains
Feedback
Attributes of Plantains
Flower Color
White
Yellow
Leaf type
Semi-evergreen
Scientific Classification of Plantains
Distribution of Plantains
Feedback
Distribution Map of Plantains
Native
Cultivated
Invasive
Potentially invasive
Exotic
No species reported
How to Grow and Care for Plantains
Feedback
Plantains is a versatile and robust plant genus that enjoys sunny environments with moderately moist soil. Basic care includes regular watering, but overwatering should be avoided. The plants appreciate a cooler temperature range and well-draining soil. Common challenges for plantains include pests such as caterpillars and aphids, and diseases including leaf spot and powdery mildew. Plantains requires no particularly exceptional seasonal care, but spring pruning can promote healthier growth. Ensuring it's safeguarded from frost damage in winter will help maintain a thriving plant across the year.
How to Water Plantains?
What Are the Sunlight Requirements for Plantains?
How to Propagate Plantains?
How to Plant Plantains?
Exploring the Plantains Plants
Feedback
8 most common species：
Ribwort plantain
Ribwort plantain grows in a number of different habitats as long as it has enough sunlight. Its leaves have characteristic parallel veins that make it easy to identify. The heads of ribwort plantains get popped off in some common British children's games. Its seeds are critical food sources for songbirds, and its leaves are eaten by rabbits and deer.
Common plantain
While native to Europe, the common plantain was one of the first plants to reach North America through early European explorers. Native Americans have referred to Plantago major as 'white man's footprint', as it disrupted many local ecosystems by its introduction.
Virginia plantain
Virginia plantain (Plantago virginica) is a perennial wildflower that can grow to be 15 to 30 cm tall. It blooms from spring to summer with 15 cm tall flower spikes that are filled white tiny white blossoms. It is native to Florida and valued as an astringent. The leaves stem and seeds are edible.
Blackseed plantain
Blackseed plantain (Plantago rugelii) is a plantain species native to eastern Canada and the central United States. The Latin name Plantago rugelii references Ferdinand Ignatius Xavier Rugel, a German-born botanist.
Show More Species
All Species of Plantains
More Popular Genus
Feedback
Dracaena
Dracaena are popular house plants that are easy to grow. They can tolerate low-light conditions and require little watering. Their leaves range from variegated to dark green. Their characteristic traits include woody stems that grow slowly but offer a striking appearance for small spaces such as apartments or offices.
Fig trees
Fig trees have been cultivated in many regions for their fruits, particularly the common fig, F. carica. Most of the species have edible fruits, although the common fig is the only one of commercial value. Fig trees are also important food sources for wildlife in the tropics, including monkeys, bats, and insects.
Brambles
Brambles are members of the rose family, and there are hundreds of different types to be found throughout the European countryside. They have been culturally significant for centuries; Christian folklore stories hold that when the devil was thrown from heaven, he landed on a bramble bush. Their vigorous growth habit can tangle into native plants and take over.
Maples
The popular tree family known as maples change the color of their leaves in the fall. Many cultural traditions encourage people to watch the colors change, such as momijigari in Japan. Maples popular options for bonsai art. Alternately, their sap is used to create maple syrup.
Prunus
Prunus is a genus of flowering fruit trees that includes almonds, cherries, plums, peaches, nectarines, and apricots. These are often known as "stone fruits" because their pits are large seeds or "stones." When prunus trees are damaged, they exhibit "gummosis," a condition in which the tree's gum (similar to sap) is secreted to the bark to help heal external wounds.
Nightshades
Nightshades is a large and diverse genus of plants, with more than 1500 different types worldwide. This genus incorporates both important staple food crops like tomato, potato, and eggplant, but also dangerous poisonous plants from the nightshade family. The name was coined by Pliny the Elder almost two thousand years ago.
Roses
Most species of roses are shrubs or climbing plants that have showy flowers and sharp thorns. They are commonly cultivated for cut flowers or as ornamental plants in gardens due to their attractive appearance, pleasant fragrance, and cultural significance in many countries. The rose hips (fruits) can also be used in jams and teas.
Oaks
Oaks are among the world's longest-lived trees, sometimes growing for over 1,000 years! The oldest known oak tree is in the southern United States and is over 1,500 years old. Oaks produce an exceedingly popular type of wood which is used to make different products, from furniture and flooring to wine barrels and even cosmetic creams.
Your Ultimate Guide to Plants
Identify grow and nurture the better way!
17,000 local species +400,000 global species studied
Nearly 5 years of research
80+ scholars in botany and gardening
Continue reading in our app - it's better
A database of 400000+ plants
unlimited guides at your fingertips...
unlimited guides at your fingertips...
