ribwort plantain

What it is

Plantago lanceolata is a species of flowering plant in the plantain family Plantaginaceae. It is known by the common names ribwort plantain, narrowleaf plantain, English plantain, ribleaf and lamb's tongue. It is a common weed of cultivated land.

Where and when to find it

Habitat

You can find it almost anywhere in the United States: lawns, fields, roadsides, and disturbed areas.

How to find it

Look for a rosette of narrow, ribbed leaves growing close to the ground. In the center, a tall stem with a tiny, cone-like flower will grow.

Best time of day

Spring through fall, when it's actively growing.

How it lives

What it eats

Sunlight, water, nutrients from soil

What eats it

Some insect larvae, deer, rabbits

Worth knowing

• Ribwort plantain is sometimes called 'Soldier's Herb' because of its healing properties.
• Its seeds are a food source for birds, especially finches.
• The tough, stringy fibers in its leaves were sometimes used to make thread.
• The flower stalk can be used to play a game called 'popping plantain heads'.
• It's a very tough plant and can grow in places where other plants struggle.
• Despite often being called a 'weed', it's a very useful and interesting plant.

Why it matters

This plant offers food for insects and animals. Its leaves can soothe skin irritations.