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Heartleaf Plantain

Plantago cordata

Last reviewed: August 2026

Heartleaf Plantain (Plantago cordata)
Photo: Steve Olson. USDA SCS. 1989. Midwest wetland flora: Field office illustrated guide to plant species. Midwest National Technical Center, Lincoln. Courtesy of USDA NRCS Wetland Science Institute. / Wikimedia Commons (Public domain)

Light

part shade

Water

high

Size

4"–12" H × 4"–8" W

Bloom

May, Jun, Jul, Aug

Native to

AL, AR, FL, GA and 14 more states

Pollinators

bees, flies

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 432 programs across 44 states, each with a link to the provider and the date we last checked it.

Find rebates in your area

Browse plants for this ecoregion

Ozark HighlandsCentral Corn Belt PlainsNortheastern Coastal ZoneSoutheastern PlainsInterior River Valleys and Hills

Heartleaf plantain is a low-growing native wildflower with distinctive heart-shaped leaves and tall, slender flower spikes. This moisture-loving perennial thrives in shaded areas and produces white flower spikes from late spring through summer. It forms neat, compact clumps that work well as groundcover in wet, shady spots.

In an HOA neighborhood

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

Works well in: backyard only.

  • Plantain name carries weedy associations
  • Informal wildflower appearance may not meet landscaping standards
  • Requires consistently moist soil which can look unkempt

Wildlife value

The long-blooming flower spikes attract bees and beneficial flies throughout the growing season. Seeds may provide food for small birds and wildlife.

Common questions

How much sun does Heartleaf Plantain need?
Heartleaf Plantain grows best in part shade conditions.
When does Heartleaf Plantain bloom?
Heartleaf Plantain blooms in May, June, July, and August.
Where is Heartleaf Plantain native?
Heartleaf Plantain (Plantago cordata) is native to AL, AR, FL, GA and 14 more states, per the World Checklist of Vascular Plants (Kew).
What pollinators does Heartleaf Plantain attract?
Heartleaf Plantain draws bees and flies.
Is Heartleaf Plantain HOA-friendly?
Heartleaf Plantain takes more care to look intentional in a front yard. Consider it for backyard or mid-zone beds rather than the street edge.

Native range data from the World Checklist of Vascular Plants (Kew). Pollinator and host plant associations compiled from GBIF, iNaturalist, and published ecological literature.

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