Ribwort Plantain
Plantago lanceolata
Also listed as Arnoglossum lanceolatum, Lagopus lanceolatus
Also known as Ribwort, Rib-grass, Buckhorn Plantain
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Ribwort plantain is a hardy perennial wildflower with narrow, lance-shaped leaves and distinctive cylindrical flower spikes. It thrives in sunny spots and poor soils, making it useful for naturalized areas and meadows.
Why grow it
Ribwort plantain establishes readily in compacted or nutrient-poor soils where many ornamentals struggle, making it useful for erosion control or pioneer plantings in degraded sites. Compared to other Plantago species, its narrow leaves and compact growth habit integrate more subtly into meadow and naturalized settings. It tolerates full sun and drought once established, reducing maintenance demands in appropriate contexts.
Watch out for
Self-seeds prolifically in open ground, so containment may be necessary if used near cultivated beds. The plant's deep taproot can be difficult to remove completely if eradication becomes desirable. In mowed settings, repeated cutting can suppress flowering but may not eliminate the plant entirely.
Overview
- Form
- Growth Rate
- Size
- Dormancy
- Family
- Plantaginaceae
Native Range
Eurasia
Seasonality
Bloom Season
Harvest Season
Edible Parts
Season of Interest
Herb
Soft non-woody plants of the field layer.
Succession Role
Tolerances & Soil
Establishment & Care
- Establishment
- Maintenance
- Propagation
Ribwort plantain is a hardy perennial wildflower with narrow, lance-shaped leaves and distinctive cylindrical flower spikes. It thrives in sunny spots and poor soils, making it useful for naturalized areas and meadows.
Climate Match for your location
See how well Ribwort Plantain grows in your area.
Enter your ZIP code and we'll show you how this plant fits your local climate.
Why grow it
Ribwort plantain establishes readily in compacted or nutrient-poor soils where many ornamentals struggle, making it useful for erosion control or pioneer plantings in degraded sites. Compared to other Plantago species, its narrow leaves and compact growth habit integrate more subtly into meadow and naturalized settings. It tolerates full sun and drought once established, reducing maintenance demands in appropriate contexts.
Watch out for
Self-seeds prolifically in open ground, so containment may be necessary if used near cultivated beds. The plant's deep taproot can be difficult to remove completely if eradication becomes desirable. In mowed settings, repeated cutting can suppress flowering but may not eliminate the plant entirely.
Overview
- Form
- Growth Rate
- Size
- Dormancy
- Family
- Plantaginaceae
Native Range
Eurasia
Seasonality
Bloom Season
Harvest Season
Edible Parts
Season of Interest
Herb
Soft non-woody plants of the field layer.
Succession Role
Tolerances & Soil
Establishment & Care
- Establishment
- Maintenance
- Propagation
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