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Rugel's Plantain

Plantago rugelii

Last reviewed: June 2026

Rugel's Plantain (Plantago rugelii)
Photo: (c) Melissa McMasters, some rights reserved (CC BY)

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

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.