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 USDA PLANTS Database and regional native plant society lists.

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.

Woolly Plantain

Name: Pollinator Patch
Author: Pollinator Patch

Plantago patagonica

Last reviewed: June 2026

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

Browse plants for this ecoregion

Southern California Mountains Central Basin and Range Mojave Basin and Range Chihuahuan Deserts Central Oklahoma/Texas Plains Edwards Plateau Southern Texas Plains Texas Blackland Prairies East Central Texas Plains South Central Plains Sonoran Basin and Range

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 USDA PLANTS Database and regional native plant society lists.
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 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 Woolly Plantain? Add it to your garden in Pollinator Patch to track it and get season-by-season care guidance.

Add this plant to your garden

iPhone app Android app

Not sure where to start? Take the 2-minute yard quiz