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ribwort plantain

Plantago lanceolata

Ribwort plantain is a small plant with long, narrow leaves and tiny flowers on tall stems. It grows in many places and is often found in grassy areas, making it easy to spot!

Habitat: Grasslands

Appearance

The ribwort plantain has distinctive lance-shaped, ribbed green leaves that grow in a basal rosette. Its slender, leafless stalks bear a compact, oval to cylindrical flower spike, which appears brown with tiny, cream-colored anthers protruding, giving it a fuzzy look.

KingdomPlantaePhylumTracheophytaClassMagnoliopsidaOrderLamialesFamilyPlantaginaceaeGenusPlantago
ribwort plantain
flowering trait badgebiennial trait badgegrasslike trait badgemedicinal trait badge
ribwort plantain

Category

Plants

Rarity

Common

Danger

1/5 · Very low

Snaps

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Interesting facts

Ancient people used the plant's strong fibers to make thread, similar to how flax is used!

It's sometimes called 'Soldier's Herb' because its tough leaves can patch up minor wounds!

The plant's distinctive seed heads are sometimes called 'rattles' when dry and shaken!

This plant loves disturbed ground and trampled paths, thriving where other plants struggle!

Special abilities

Ability

Resilient Root

Ribwort plantain has a tough taproot that helps it survive in compacted soil and dry conditions by reaching deep for water.

Ability

Seed Spreader

Its tiny seeds become sticky when wet, helping them hitch a ride on animals or shoes to new locations.

Ability

Self-Repair Kit

Ribwort plantain contains compounds that help soothe minor stings and cuts when its crushed leaves are applied.

Measurements & details

Height
10-50 cm
Spread
10-30 cm
Bloom Season
Spring to fall
Edible
Yes
Toxicity
None
Lifecycle
Perennial
Pollination Method
Wind

Ecological connections

pollinates

European honey bee

Apis mellifera

collects pollen from its flowers

eats

leopard slug

Limax maximus

consumes its tender leaves

eaten by

humans

Homo sapiens

eaten as a wild edible vegetable

pollinates

common drone fly

Syrphus ribesii

visits flowers for nectar and pollen

Traits

Also known as

No aliases listed yet.

Collections

Safety

Danger

1/5 · Very low

Always check with an adult before touching or eating any plants.

Frequently Asked Questions

How tall is ribwort plantain?

10-50 cm

How wide does ribwort plantain spread?

10-30 cm

When does ribwort plantain bloom?

Spring to fall

Is ribwort plantain edible?

Yes

Is ribwort plantain toxic?

None

What is ribwort plantain's lifecycle?

Perennial

How is ribwort plantain pollinated?

Wind

Where is ribwort plantain usually found?

Grasslands

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Where to spot

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