Lanceleaf Plantain (Plantago lanceolata)

Plantago lanceolata is known by a number of common names: Lanceleaf Plantain, Narrowleaf Plantain, Ribwort plantain, English plantain, Buckhorn plantain; Ribgrass; Buck Plantain, Black Jacks, Buckhorn; Lanceleaf Indianwheat. A good example of the importance of scientific names.

In our area, the rosette of leaves may die back and sprout from the roots or remain green depending on the severity of the winter. The leaves are lance-shaped and ribbed.

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The plants, full-grown and in flower

The spike before the flowers open

The flowers open from the top of the spike to the bottom.

Almost finished

Plantago lanceolata was introduced into the United States from Eurasia. It grows throughout the United States and most Canadian provinces.
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Distribution Map:
- United States Department of Agriculture Plants Database: Plantago lanceolata (Narrowleaf Plantain)

Identification resources:
- Southeastern Flora: Lanceleaf Plantain (Plantago lanceolata)
- Schedi di botanica: Narrowleaf Plantain (Plantago lanceolata)
- Weedipedia: Plantago lanceolata

Related posts:
- 2010: Year Of The Wildflower
- Virginia Plantain (Plantago virginica)