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Redseed Plantain

Plantago rhodosperma

Last reviewed: August 2026

Redseed Plantain (Plantago rhodosperma)
Photo: Clarence A. Rechenthin. Courtesy of USDA NRCS Texas State Office. / Wikimedia Commons (Public domain)

Toxicity unknown

Redseed Plantain (Plantago rhodosperma) 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

full sun

Water

low

Size

4"–12" H × 2"–6" W

Bloom

Apr, May, Jun

Native to

AL, AR, AZ, CA and 10 more states

Pollinators

bees, beetles

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

Redseed plantain is a small native annual that forms compact rosettes of narrow leaves with distinctive red-tinged seeds. This low-growing wildflower produces small flower spikes in spring and early summer before completing its life cycle.

In an HOA neighborhood

Redseed 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.

  • Plantain species are commonly viewed as weeds
  • Annual nature creates gaps and inconsistent appearance
  • Very small size may appear sparse in formal landscapes

Wildlife value

The flowers attract small native bees and beetles during its spring blooming period. As an annual, it provides seasonal habitat and nectar resources for pollinators.

Common questions

How much sun does Redseed Plantain need?
Redseed Plantain grows best in full sun conditions.
When does Redseed Plantain bloom?
Redseed Plantain blooms in April, May, and June.
Where is Redseed Plantain native?
Redseed Plantain (Plantago rhodosperma) is native to AL, AR, AZ, CA and 10 more states, per the World Checklist of Vascular Plants (Kew).
What pollinators does Redseed Plantain attract?
Redseed Plantain draws bees and beetles.
Is Redseed Plantain HOA-friendly?
Redseed 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

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

Planning a bed around it? Start a free plan with this plant

Not sure where to start? Take the 2-minute yard quiz