English Plantain

Family: Plantaginaceae
Scientific name: Plantago lanceolata
Description: Plant Form: Annual or biennial rosette herb. Size: Up to 45 cm tall. Stem: Only a long, thin, upright, ridged, flower stalk. Rest of plant is in rosette. Leaves: In rosette. Lance to elongated oval-shaped, 8-20 cm long, with minute teeth along edges and 5 prominent parallel veins running lengthwise. Flowers: Oval-shaped to cylindrical spike 1-12 cm long, densely covered in hairs, brownish-greyish with white anthers. Fruit and Seeds: Oval-shaped capsule 3-4 mm long, with coffee-bean shaped, smooth seeds. Habitat: Disturbed areas, pastures, grasslands, lawns, parks. Distinguishing Features: Distinguished from Greater plantain (Plantago major) by ridged flower stalk and narrower leaves. Weed Status: Other Weed Weed Type: Environmental, Common, Invasive Garden Escapee Lifeform: Herbaceous

Example images for this weed