Rugel's Plantain
Plantago rugelii
Last reviewed: June 2026

Light
full sun
Water
medium
Size
6"–24" H × 4"–12" W
Bloom
May, Jun, Jul
Native to
AL, AR, CT, DE and 34 more states
Pollinators
bees, beetles
Browse plants for this ecoregion
Rugel's plantain is a low-growing native perennial with broad, ribbed leaves that form a basal rosette. It produces tall, slender flower spikes from late spring through summer that attract various pollinators.
In an HOA neighborhood
Rugel's 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.
- Commonly considered a lawn weed
- Flower spikes can appear scraggly
- May spread aggressively in turf areas
Wildlife value
The flowers provide nectar for bees and beetles, while the seeds feed birds and small mammals.
Native range data from the USDA PLANTS Database and regional native plant society lists. Pollinator and host plant associations compiled from GBIF, iNaturalist, and published ecological literature.
Does Rugel's Plantain fit your yard? Open it in Pollinator Patch to check it against your sun, soil, and HOA-conscious filters.