Plantago lanceolata aka Narrow Leaf Plantain

Plantago lanceolata, or ribwort plantain, belongs to the plantain family. Its native range spans Macaronesia, northern Africa, and temperate Eurasia. This range includes Britain and Ireland and reaches Mauritania. People have helped spread it to many other regions. It grows in grassland, lawns, roadsides, and worked soil. In the tropics, it grows chiefly at higher elevations.

This low perennial forms clumps with a deep taproot. Some plants live as biennials, or annuals in tropical climates. Garden plants reach 0.3–1.6 feet [0.1–0.5 metres] tall and wide. Useful Tropical Plants gives a height limit of 2 feet [0.6 metres]. Leaves form a rosette and may stay green through winter. Their green to grey-green blades have clear, lengthwise ribs. Some leaves exceed 0.5 feet [0.15 metres] in length. They remain less than 0.08 feet [0.025 metres] wide. In short turf, leaves grow flatter and more rounded. In meadows, they stand taller and grow longer. Flower stems have shallow grooves and scattered hairs near their base.

Small brown flowers cluster at the tips of bare stems. Pale cream anthers stand out against the darker flower heads. Each flower has both male and female parts. Bloom runs through summer, with spring and autumn flowering also reported. Wind carries pollen, while flies and beetles also aid pollination. Small brown capsules follow the flowers and release two seeds. The dark seeds have a hollow on one side. Seeds can travel on people, animals, or in water.

Grow ribwort plantain in full sun with good soil drainage. It suits moist soil and also tolerates poor ground. Clay, loam, sand, and chalk all support growth. Avoid strongly acid soil, though it accepts a broad pH range. RHS rates its cold hardiness H7. NC State lists USDA zones 5–9. Plants reach their garden size in about one year. Meadows and wildlife gardens can make use of this plant. Songbirds eat its seeds in winter. It also feeds the caterpillars of many butterfly species.

Its ease of spread can make it a garden weed. Remove plants before they flower when spread is unwanted. Leaf beetles, weevils, and caterpillars may damage it. RHS reports few disease problems. Young leaves are edible raw or cooked, but taste bitter. Removing tough fibres makes them easier to eat. Cooked seeds can also be ground and mixed with flour. PFAF reports no known hazards from the plant itself. Roadside plants may contain lead or cadmium from polluted ground. Traditional uses include leaf remedies for wounds and chest complaints. Leaves also yield fibre, and seed mucilage can stiffen cloth. The whole plant supplies brown and gold dyes.