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Tall coastal plantain

Plantago subnuda

Last reviewed: October 2026

Tall coastal plantain (Plantago subnuda) is a perennial forb native to CA, OR, WA. It blooms in April, May, June, and July.

Tall coastal plantain (Plantago subnuda)
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Toxicity unknown

Tall coastal plantain (Plantago subnuda) 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

medium

Size

4"–12" H × 4"–8" W

Bloom

Apr, May, Jun, Jul

Native to

CA, OR, WA

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 458 programs across 44 states, each with a link to the provider and the date we last checked it.

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A low, basal-rosette perennial with narrow, fleshy leaves and slender, wind-pollinated flower spikes. Grows in moist, open, often coastal ground with a plain, unassuming appearance.

Growing Tall coastal plantain

Grow Tall coastal plantain in full sun and medium water. Mature plants reach 4 to 12 inches tall and spread 4 to 8 inches wide.

Wildlife value

Host plant for common buckeye.

Its foliage is a larval host plant for the common buckeye butterfly.

Common questions

How much sun does Tall coastal plantain need?
Tall coastal plantain grows best in full sun conditions.
When does Tall coastal plantain bloom?
Tall coastal plantain blooms in April, May, June, and July.
Where is Tall coastal plantain native?
Tall coastal plantain (Plantago subnuda) is native to CA, OR, WA, per vouchered herbarium specimen records and regional native plant society lists.
What butterflies or moths does Tall coastal plantain host?
Tall coastal plantain is a larval host plant for common buckeye.

Native range data from vouchered herbarium specimen records and regional native plant society lists. 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 Tall coastal plantain? Add it to your garden in Pollinator Patch to track it and get season-by-season care guidance.