Taxonomy

Division:

Magnoliophyta | - Flowering plants

Family:

Plantaginaceae

Genus:

Plantago

Species:

Plantago aristata

USDA Symbol:

PLAR3

Growth Characteristics

Life Cycle:

Annual | Perennial

Growth Habit:

Forb/herb

Height:

45 cm

Light Requirements:

Full Sun

Drought Tolerance:

High

Bloom Months:

may,jun,jul,aug,sep

Bloom Colors:

white, green

Garden & Ecology Notes

Wildlife Value:

birds

Deer Resistant:

Yes

Fire Ecology:

Fire adapted — tolerates or benefits from fire

Fire Notes:

Common in prairie habitats; tolerates periodic fire and may increase in abundance post-burn.

Soil Requirements

Soil Type:

sandy, well-drained, nutrient-poor soil

pH:

5.5 - 7.5 (slightly acidic to neutral)

Drainage:

excellent drainage required

Moisture:

dry to moderate

Notes:

native to open, disturbed areas; often found in prairies and roadsides

Propagation & Germination

Stratification:

Cold/moist stratification required — 30–60 days

Germination Time:

10–21 days

Notes:

Seeds germinate readily with light; cold stratification improves germination rates.

The above propagation data sourced from Claude AI