Plantago debilis
Slender or Shade Plantain
Perennial or annual herb with a taproot,
Additional information
- FamilyPlantaginaceae
- StoreyLower storey
- Sizeto 25 cm, flower stem to 70 cm high
- Plant groupingHerbs & Groundcovers <1m
- LeavesRosette of thin, downy, narrow lance-shaped leaves, broader towards the tip, 3-15 cm x 8-40 mm, on stalk to 10 cm, 5-veined, margins entire or distantly toothed, tufts of whitish hairs at leaf bases.
- Flower colourPale green
- Flowering timeSeptember to March
- FlowersErect downy spike 6-10 cm long of tiny distantly spaced flowers, stalk 5-40 cm long. Sepals hairless.
- Bird attractingNo
- Butterfly attractingFood plant for caterpillars
- Frog habitatNo
- Growing conditionsMoist to dryish areas in shaded forests. Semi-shade to dappled shade.
- Garden useMoist shady gardens under trees.
- Commercially availableIndigenous nursery
- Conservation statusLocally common within its preferred growing conditions
- Related speciesPlantago hispida is similar. It may occur in the Dandenong Ranges. Leaves are narrower, 3-12 mm wide and spikes are dense at maturity. Occurs in rocky outcrops. Easily identified from the weed plantains by its spike of distantly spaced flowers.
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Photographer/s: Marilyn Bull ©
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