Family: Plantaginaceae
English plantain, narrow-leaved plantain, plantain, ribgrass
Janice Stiefel
Merel R. Black
University of Wisconsin - Madison (WIS-VP)
Etymology: Plantago: from Latin planta meaning "foot print"
Plants: erect, annual/biennial/perennial, 1 1/2'- 2' tall forb; fibrous roots
Leaves: usually pointing upward, 4"-16" long, narrowly elliptical with a pointed tip, and 3 to several parallel veins
Flowers: white, 4-parted, 1/8" long; inflorescence a 1"-3", very dense, oval to cylindrical, 1/3" thick spike; blooms June-Aug.
Habitat: disturbed sites, lawns
Conservation Status: Introduced - naturalized
Plants: erect, annual/biennial/perennial, 1 1/2'- 2' tall forb; fibrous roots
Leaves: usually pointing upward, 4"-16" long, narrowly elliptical with a pointed tip, and 3 to several parallel veins
Flowers: white, 4-parted, 1/8" long; inflorescence a 1"-3", very dense, oval to cylindrical, 1/3" thick spike; blooms June-Aug.
Habitat: disturbed sites, lawns
Conservation Status: Introduced - naturalized
Floristic Rating: Wetland Indicator = FAC USDA Plants Database: Federal Distribution and detailed information including photos USDA Agricultural Research Service (ARS): Images of seeds, fruits, embryos, etc. USDA Agricultural Research Service (ARS): Images of seeds, fruits, embryos, etc. Dan Tenaglia's The Missouri Flora: Fabulous photographs; detailed descriptions; color and leave arrangement key. David G. Smith's "Delaware Wilflowers": Beautiful photographs; descriptions Illinois Wildflowers: Wonderful photographs; detailed descriptions; color and leaf arrangement key Southwest School of Botanical Medicine: Britton & Brown Illustrated Flora - 2nd Edition (1913) "An Illustrated Flora of the Northern United States and Canada"
Merel R. Black
Emmet J. Judziewicz
Botanical Illustration
Matthew L. Wagner
Emmet J. Judziewicz
Botanical Illustration
Botanical Illustration
Robert Bierman
Christopher Noll