Species PlantsNarrowleaf Plantain

Narrowleaf Plantain

Plantago lanceolata

CommonPlant
Illustration of Narrowleaf Plantain (Plantago lanceolata)

Narrowleaf Plantain, also called Ribwort or English Plantain, was introduced from Europe and is now one of the most common roadside and lawn weeds in North America. Its narrow, lance-shaped leaves with prominent parallel ribs give it its various common names. The small brown flower heads are distinctive, with a ring of white stamens that move progressively up the spike as the plant blooms. It is an important larval host plant for the Baltimore Checkerspot butterfly in parts of its range.

Habitat
Lawns, roadsides, meadows, disturbed fields, and grasslands throughout North America.
Diet
Seeds eaten by sparrows and finches; leaves are larval food for Baltimore Checkerspot butterfly caterpillars.
How common
Common

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