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.

Heartleaf Plantain

Name: Pollinator Patch
Author: Pollinator Patch

Plantago cordata

Last reviewed: August 2026

Toxicity unknown

Heartleaf Plantain (Plantago cordata) 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.

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 452 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 Highlands Central Corn Belt Plains Northeastern Coastal Zone Southeastern Plains Interior 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.

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

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