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Plantago lanceolata is often confused with:
Plantago major Plantago major
Plants that fill a similar niche:
Plantago major Plantago major
Salvia rosmarinus Rosmarinus officinalis
Viola sororia Viola papilionacea

Lanceleaf Plantain Plantago lanceolata

Phonetic Spelling
plan-TAY-go lan-see-oh-LAY-tuh
Description

A common edible weed in the plantain family Plantaginaceae.  Its leaves can be eaten both raw or cooked. It is often seen on cultivated land, lawns, and pastures.  The only weed it is likely to be confused with is the broadleaf plantain (Plantago major) although the leaves are much narrower and easy to tell apart when the plants are next to each other.  Another way to distinguish the two weeds is to look at the brown fruits.  Narrow-leaved plantain seeds are clustered closer to the tip of the stem while broad-leaved plantain seeds are much further down the stem. The plantains tend not to have a standard tap-root like the other flat-weeds. There is a definite crown just below ground level. 

Each flower is replaced by a seed capsule of an ovoid or oblongoid shape.  The capsule splits on the lower portion, releasing 2 small seeds.  The seeds are dark brown or black and indented on one side. 

A hermaphrodite (both male and female organs) plant that is pollinated by wind, flies, and beetles. 

See this plant in the following landscape:
Cultivars / Varieties:
Tags:
#edible plant#edible weed#herbaceous#long bloom time#perennial weeds#clay soils tolerant#perennial#weed#herb garden
 
Cultivars / Varieties:
Tags:
#edible plant#edible weed#herbaceous#long bloom time#perennial weeds#clay soils tolerant#perennial#weed#herb garden
  • Attributes:
    Genus:
    Plantago
    Species:
    lanceolata
    Family:
    Plantaginaceae
    Life Cycle:
    Perennial
    Recommended Propagation Strategy:
    Seed
    Country Or Region Of Origin:
    Europe, including Britain
    Wildlife Value:
    Attracts wildlife
  • Whole Plant Traits:
    Plant Type:
    Edible
    Herb
    Weed
    Habit/Form:
    Erect
  • Cultural Conditions:
    Light:
    Full sun (6 or more hours of direct sunlight a day)
    Soil Texture:
    Clay
    Loam (Silt)
    Sand
    Soil Drainage:
    Good Drainage
    NC Region:
    Coastal
    Mountains
    Piedmont
    USDA Plant Hardiness Zone:
    5a, 5b, 6a, 6b, 7a, 7b, 8a, 8b, 9a, 9b
  • Fruit:
    Fruit Color:
    Brown/Copper
    Fruit Type:
    Capsule
    Fruit Length:
    < 1 inch
    Fruit Description:
    1-2 smooth, boat-shaped, gel-type substance
  • Flowers:
    Flower Color:
    Brown/Copper
    White
    Flower Inflorescence:
    Insignificant
    Flower Bloom Time:
    Fall
    Spring
    Summer
    Flower Shape:
    Tubular
    Flower Petals:
    4-5 petals/rays
    Flower Size:
    1-3 inches
    Flower Description:
    Bisexual, inconspicuous corolla 4-lobed, tubular.
  • Leaves:
    Leaf Color:
    Gray/Silver
    Green
    Leaf Value To Gardener:
    Edible
    Leaf Shape:
    Elliptical
    Linear
    Ovate
    Hairs Present:
    Yes
    Leaf Length:
    > 6 inches
    Leaf Width:
    < 1 inch
    Leaf Description:
    Stalked, erect. Margins are sparsely toothed, parallel-veined.
  • Stem:
    Stem Is Aromatic:
    No
    Stem Description:
    6 to 18", slightly furrowed or angular, scattered hairs near the base.
  • Landscape:
    Landscape Location:
    Meadow
    Naturalized Area
    Woodland
    Design Feature:
    Mass Planting
    Problems:
    Weedy