Desert Indianwheat
Plantago ovata
- Native to:
- Afghanistan, Algeria, Canary Is., Cyprus, Egypt, Gulf States, India, Iran, Iraq, Kuwait, Lebanon-Syria, Libya, Madeira, Mexican Pacific Is., Mexico, Morocco, North Caucasus, Oman, Pakistan, Palestine, Saudi Arabia, Sinai, Socotra, Somalia, Spain, Tunisia, Turkmenistan, United States, Western Sahara, Yemen
Stan Shebs
Taxonomy
- Division:
- Magnoliophyta | - Flowering plants
- Family:
- Plantaginaceae
- Genus:
- Plantago
- Species:
- Plantago ovata
- USDA Symbol:
- PLOV
Growth Characteristics
- Life Cycle:
- Annual
- Growth Habit:
- Forb/herb
- Height:
- 45 cm
- Light Requirements:
- Full Sun
- Drought Tolerance:
- High
- Bloom Months:
- mar,apr,may
- Bloom Colors:
- white, cream
Wildlife Benefits
- Caterpillars:
- ★☆☆☆☆ Recorded caterpillar host plant (HOSTS Database)
Host Plant for Caterpillars
⚠️Edith's checkerspot (Euphydryas editha)
Garden & Ecology Notes
- Wildlife Value:
- birds
- Deer Resistant:
- Yes
- Salt Tolerant:
- Yes
Soil Requirements
- Soil Type:
- sandy, well-drained, nutrient-poor soil
- pH:
- 6.0 - 8.0 (neutral to slightly alkaline)
- Drainage:
- excellent drainage required
- Moisture:
- dry to moderate
- Notes:
- native to arid regions, prefers dry conditions
Propagation & Germination
- Stratification:
- None required
- Germination Time:
- 5–14 days
- Notes:
- Seeds germinate readily with moisture and warmth; mucilaginous seed coat aids germination in arid conditions.
The above propagation data sourced from Claude AI
Pre-treatment: Single-step cold-moist stratification for temperate woodland species. for 60–120 days
Notes: Seeds germinate readily without pretreatment.
Source: Claude AI