Rugel's Plantain
Plantago rugelii
Last reviewed: July 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.
Common questions
- How much sun does Rugel's Plantain need?
- Rugel's Plantain grows best in full sun conditions.
- When does Rugel's Plantain bloom?
- Rugel's Plantain blooms in May, June, and July.
- Where is Rugel's Plantain native?
- Rugel's Plantain (Plantago rugelii) is native to AL, AR, CT, DE and 34 more states, per the USDA PLANTS Database and regional native plant society lists.
- What pollinators does Rugel's Plantain attract?
- Rugel's Plantain draws bees and beetles.
- Is Rugel's Plantain HOA-friendly?
- Rugel's 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 USDA PLANTS Database and regional native plant society lists. Pollinator and host plant associations compiled from GBIF, iNaturalist, and published ecological literature.
Ready to grow Rugel's Plantain? Add it to your garden in Pollinator Patch to track it and get season-by-season care guidance.
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