Woolly Plantain
Plantago patagonica
Last reviewed: August 2026
Toxicity unknown
Woolly Plantain (Plantago patagonica) 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.
The USDA PLANTS Database (opens in new tab) does not flag Woolly Plantain as toxic to livestock.
Light
full sun
Water
low
Size
2"–12" H × 2"–6" W
Bloom
May, Jun, Jul, Aug
Native to
AR, AZ, CA, CO and 35 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 452 programs across 44 states, each with a link to the provider and the date we last checked it.
Find rebates in your areaBrowse plants for this ecoregion
Woolly plantain is a small native annual with soft, fuzzy leaves that form a low rosette. It produces inconspicuous flower spikes from late spring through summer and thrives in sunny, dry conditions with minimal care.
In an HOA neighborhood
Woolly 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 perceived as a weed by most people
- Annual lifecycle means bare spots when plants die
- Very informal appearance doesn't match typical landscape expectations
Wildlife value
This plant provides nectar and pollen for native bees and beneficial beetles during its extended blooming period from May through August.
Common questions
- How much sun does Woolly Plantain need?
- Woolly Plantain grows best in full sun conditions.
- When does Woolly Plantain bloom?
- Woolly Plantain blooms in May, June, July, and August.
- Where is Woolly Plantain native?
- Woolly Plantain (Plantago patagonica) is native to AR, AZ, CA, CO and 35 more states, per the World Checklist of Vascular Plants (Kew).
- Is Woolly Plantain toxic to livestock?
- The USDA PLANTS Database does not flag Woolly Plantain as toxic to livestock.
- What pollinators does Woolly Plantain attract?
- Woolly Plantain draws bees and beetles.
- Is Woolly Plantain HOA-friendly?
- Woolly 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.
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.
- It is dying right after planting
- Leaves turning yellow
- Wilting even though I watered it
- Brown crispy leaf tips
- Bugs on the plant
Ready to grow Woolly Plantain? Add it to your garden in Pollinator Patch to track it and get season-by-season care guidance.
Planning a bed around it? Start a free plan with this plant
Not sure where to start? Take the 2-minute yard quiz