English Plantain

(Plantago lanceolata)

English Plantain (Plantago lanceolata L.)

Alien: Native of Europe.

Identification: Flowers white, small, with 4 small petals and white, protruding stamens. Flowers arranged in a short to elongate, tightly packed flower head on a long, grooved stem. Open flowers commonly in a circle about part of the flower head. Leaves elongate, with 3 major ribs, arranged in a basal rosette. Plant 10 to 24 in inches in height.

Distribution: Throughout North America.

Habitat: English Plantain is an abundant weed found in lawns, old fields, empty lots, and other disturbed habitats.

Flowering period: April to November.

Similar Species: Hoary Plantain (Plantago virginica) (not treated here) might be mistaken for English Platain. However both its leaves and stems are densely hairy. Seaside Plantain is also similar, but is a coastal species. The leaves are narrower, fleshy, and have a single prominent nerve.