How much sun does Slender Plantain need?

Slender Plantain grows best in part sun conditions.

When does Slender Plantain bloom?

Slender Plantain blooms in May, June, July, and August.

Where is Slender Plantain native?

Slender Plantain (Plantago heterophylla) is native to AL, AR, DE, FL and 17 more states, per the World Checklist of Vascular Plants (Kew).

What pollinators does Slender Plantain attract?

Slender Plantain draws bees and beetles.

Is Slender Plantain HOA-friendly?

Slender Plantain takes more care to look intentional in a front yard. Consider it for backyard or mid-zone beds rather than the street edge.

Slender Plantain

Name: Pollinator Patch
Author: Pollinator Patch

Plantago heterophylla

Last reviewed: August 2026

Toxicity unknown

Slender Plantain (Plantago heterophylla) 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 sun

Water

low

Size

4"–12" H × 2"–6" W

Bloom

May, Jun, Jul, Aug

Native to

AL, AR, DE, FL and 17 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 445 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

Cross Timbers Edwards Plateau Texas Blackland Prairies East Central Texas Plains Western Gulf Coastal Plain South Central Plains Piedmont Middle Atlantic Coastal Plain Southeastern Plains Ridge and Valley Mississippi Alluvial Plain Southern Coastal Plain

Slender plantain is a compact annual wildflower with narrow leaves and small, inconspicuous flower spikes. It grows in a low rosette form and thrives in partial sun with minimal water needs. The plant blooms from late spring through summer with tiny flowers arranged on slender stalks.

In an HOA neighborhood

Slender 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.

Appears weedy and unkempt to most homeowners
Very low growth habit looks like lawn weeds
Flower spikes are thin and unremarkable

Wildlife value

This native plant attracts bees and beetles with its modest but reliable blooms throughout the growing season. Its seeds also provide food for small birds and wildlife.

Common questions

How much sun does Slender Plantain need?: Slender Plantain grows best in part sun conditions.
When does Slender Plantain bloom?: Slender Plantain blooms in May, June, July, and August.
Where is Slender Plantain native?: Slender Plantain (Plantago heterophylla) is native to AL, AR, DE, FL and 17 more states, per the World Checklist of Vascular Plants (Kew).
What pollinators does Slender Plantain attract?: Slender Plantain draws bees and beetles.
Is Slender Plantain HOA-friendly?: Slender 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.

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

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