Skip to main content

Common Plantain

Plantago major

Last reviewed: September 2026

Common Plantain (Plantago major)
Photo: (c) lemonsnapp, some rights reserved (CC BY)

Toxicity unknown

Common Plantain (Plantago major) is not listed by the ASPCA Animal Poison Control Center (opens in new tab) or the other sources we check, so we have no verdict for it either way. Absence from those lists is not a clearance. If your pet shows symptoms after eating any plant, call the ASPCA at (888) 426-4435.

The USDA PLANTS Database (opens in new tab) does not flag Common Plantain as toxic to livestock.

Light

part shade

Water

medium

Size

4"–12" H × 6"–12" W

Bloom

Jun, Jul, Aug

Pollinators

bees, flies, beetles

Native alternatives to Common Plantain

Common Plantain is not native to the United States. These natives fill a similar role in a planting, matched on bloom season, bloom color and mature size.

Before you buy

Your city may pay you to plant this

Cities and water utilities offer rebates for replacing lawn with native and water-wise plants. We track 459 programs across 44 states, each with a link to the provider and the date we last checked it.

Find rebates in your area

Picture natives in your own yard

Wondering what could grow where Common Plantain is now? Upload a photo of the spot and Patch Vision shows a rendering of it replanted with natives for your region.

Try it with your yardDownload on the App StoreGet it on Google Play

Common plantain is a low-growing perennial with broad, ribbed leaves that form a compact rosette. It produces tall, narrow flower spikes in summer and is extremely hardy and drought-tolerant once established. This plant is often considered a weed in traditional lawns but has historical medicinal uses.

Get an email before your first frost

We'll email you a week before frost can first reach your ZIP. You also get a printable fall checklist with your dates right away.

You'll also get our weekly yard notes. Unsubscribe anytime.

In an HOA neighborhood

Common Plantain takes more care to keep looking intentional in a front yard. Maintenance level: low. Consider it for backyard or mid-zone beds rather than the street edge.

Works well in: backyard only.

  • Widely recognized as a common weed
  • Can spread aggressively in lawn areas
  • Flower spikes may appear unkempt to neighbors

Wildlife value

The inconspicuous flowers attract small pollinators including bees, flies, and beetles during summer months. Seeds provide food for various bird species in late summer and fall.

Common questions

How much sun does Common Plantain need?
Common Plantain grows best in part shade conditions.
When does Common Plantain bloom?
Common Plantain blooms in June, July, and August.
Is Common Plantain toxic to livestock?
The USDA PLANTS Database does not flag Common Plantain as toxic to livestock.
What pollinators does Common Plantain attract?
Common Plantain draws bees, flies, and beetles.
Is Common Plantain HOA-friendly?
Common Plantain takes more care to look intentional in a front yard. Consider it for backyard or mid-zone beds rather than the street edge.

Pollinator and host plant associations compiled from GBIF, iNaturalist, and published ecological literature.

If something looks wrong

Common plant problems, and what to check first

These come up on almost any plant. Each guide lists the likely causes in the order they are worth ruling out, with one thing to check before you act on any of them, and links to the source it came from.

See all plant problem guides

Ready to grow Common Plantain? Add it to your garden in Pollinator Patch to track it and get season-by-season care guidance.

Add this plant to your garden
iPhone appAndroid app