ExplorePlants

Hoary Plantain

Plantago media

Hoary Plantain is a lovely green plant that grows in fields and meadows. It has long, narrow leaves and tall flower spikes that can attract butterflies and bees!

Habitat: Grasslands

Appearance

The Hoary Plantain has broad, oval leaves covered in soft, silvery hairs that form a ground-level rosette. From its center emerges a distinctive, upright flower spike bearing many tiny, pale pinkish-white flowers with long, prominent white stamens, creating a fuzzy, bottle-brush appearance.

KingdomPlantaePhylumTracheophytaClassMagnoliopsidaOrderLamialesFamilyPlantaginaceaeGenusPlantago
Hoary Plantain
flowering trait badgebiennial trait badgegrasslike trait badgemedicinal trait badge
Hoary Plantain

Category

Plants

Rarity

Common

Danger

1/5 · Very low

Snaps

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Interesting facts

Even though it looks simple, this plant can produce thousands of seeds from just one spike!

Its tiny seeds get super sticky when wet, helping them hitch a ride on shoes or animals!

Some people call it "Lamb's Tongue" because its soft, hairy leaves feel just like one!

The plant's long, fuzzy flower stalks can sway in the wind, spreading pollen for miles!

Special abilities

Ability

Tough Traveler

Hoary Plantain can grow in compacted soil and disturbed areas, helping it survive where other plants can't.

Ability

Hairy Helper

Its leaves are covered in soft hairs, which protect it from herbivores and excessive water loss.

Ability

Healing Hands

Hoary Plantain has compounds that can help soothe skin irritations and minor cuts, a natural first aid kit!

Measurements & details

Height
10-50 cm
Spread
15-30 cm
Flower Size
0.2-0.3 cm
Bloom Season
Late spring to late summer
Edible
Yes
Toxicity
None
Lifecycle
Perennial
Pollination Method
Wind

Ecological connections

pollinates

European Honey Bee

Apis mellifera

visits its flowers for nectar

eats

Thistle Tortoise Beetle

Cassida rubiginosa

larvae and adults feed on its leaves

eats

European Goldfinch

Carduelis carduelis

enjoys its small, nutritious seeds

Traits

Also known as

No aliases listed yet.

Collections

Safety

Danger

1/5 · Very low

Always ask an adult before touching or picking plants.

Frequently Asked Questions

How tall is Hoary Plantain?

10-50 cm

How wide does Hoary Plantain spread?

15-30 cm

How big are the flowers on Hoary Plantain?

0.2-0.3 cm

When does Hoary Plantain bloom?

Late spring to late summer

Is Hoary Plantain edible?

Yes

Is Hoary Plantain toxic?

None

What is Hoary Plantain's lifecycle?

Perennial

How is Hoary Plantain pollinated?

Wind

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