Common Plantain
Plantago major
- Native to:
- Afghanistan, Albania, Algeria, Austria, Baleares, Baltic States, Belarus, Belgium, Bulgaria, Canary Is., Cape Verde, China, Corse, Cyprus, Czechia-Slovakia, Denmark, East Aegean Is., Egypt, Finland, France, Germany, Greece, Hainan, Hungary, India, Iran, Iraq, Ireland, Italy, Japan, Kazakhstan, Kirgizstan, Korea, Kriti, Krym, Kuril Is., Lebanon-Syria, Lesotho, Madeira, Morocco, Namibia, Nepal, Netherlands, North Caucasus, Norway, NW. Balkan Pen., Oman, Pakistan, Palestine, Poland, Portugal, Romania, Russia, Sardegna, Saudi Arabia, Sicilia, Sinai, South Africa, Spain, Sweden, Switzerland, Tadzhikistan, Taiwan, Transcaucasus, Tunisia, Türkiye, Türkiye-in-Europe, Turkmenistan, Ukraine, Uzbekistan, Yemen
Rasbak
Taxonomy
- Division:
- Magnoliophyta | - Flowering plants
- Family:
- Plantaginaceae
- Genus:
- Plantago
- Species:
- Plantago major
- USDA Symbol:
- PLMA2
Growth Characteristics
- Life Cycle:
- Perennial
- Growth Habit:
- Forb/herb
- Height:
- 30 cm
- Light Requirements:
- Full Sun
- Drought Tolerance:
- Medium
- Bloom Months:
- may,jun,jul,aug,sep
- Bloom Colors:
- green
- Ground Cover:
- Yes
Host Plant for Caterpillars
Autographa rubida, Brown angle shades (Phlogophora periculosa), Common Looper Moth (Autographa precationis), Garden Tiger Moth (Arctia caja), Holomelina costata, Isabella tiger moth (Pyrrharctia isabella), kidney-spotted minor (Lacinipolia renigera), Lacinipolia olivacea, Nais tiger moth (Apantesis nais), Ornate Tiger Moth (Grammia ornata), Orthodes cynica, Pink-legged Tiger Moth (Spilosoma latipennis), Pseudorthodes irrorata, Spilosoma pteridis, Two-spotted Looper Moth (Autographa bimaculata), Xestia adela, Common Buckeye (Junonia coenia), Painted Lady (Vanessa cardui), Variable checkerspot (Euphydryas chalcedona)
Reported Fauna Sightings
Bees: Common eastern bumble bee (Bombus impatiens)
Garden & Ecology Notes
- Wildlife Value:
- birds, small mammals
- Salt Tolerant:
- Yes
Soil Requirements
- Soil Type:
- moist, nutrient-rich loamy soil
- pH:
- 4.5 - 7.5 (acidic to neutral)
- Drainage:
- tolerates poor drainage
- Moisture:
- consistently moist
- Notes:
- commonly found in disturbed soils
Propagation & Germination
- Stratification:
- Cold/moist stratification required — 30–60 days
- Germination Time:
- 7–21 days
- Notes:
- Seeds require light for germination. Surface sow and do not cover.
The above propagation data sourced from Claude AI
ORGHPS Germination Guide: Sow @ 20C. If no germination in 3 months, try 4C 1-2 months, then 20C again. Requires light / surface sow (fine seed).