Plantago varia
Variable Plantain
Perennial herb with taproot.
Additional information
- FamilyPlantaginaceae
- StoreyLower storey
- Sizeto 20 cm, flower stem to 36 cm high
- Plant groupingHerbs & Groundcovers <1m
- LeavesRosette of soft, downy, erect, 3-5-veined narrow-elliptic leaves 6-20 cm x 0.5-2 cm, margins with triangular teeth, dense tuft of brown hairs at leaf bases. Stalk indistinct.
- Flower colourBrownish
- Flowering timeAugust to April
- FlowersDense erect cylindrical spikes 3-11 cm long of tiny flowers on downy stalks 5-25 cm long. Sepals densely hairy down midline.
- Bird attractingNo
- Butterfly attractingFood plant for caterpillars
- Frog habitatNo
- Growing conditionsDrier soils in grassy open forests. Full sun, semi shade.
- Garden useGrow in drier areas under trees. Is not as invasive as the weed species.
- Commercially availableNever
- Conservation statusLocally common within its preferred growing conditions
- Related speciesIndigenous plantains have entire to toothed leaves with less compacted heads. Weed species tend to be entire or, in one species, lobed.
Photo Gallery
Photographer/s: Marilyn Bull ©
Plant Communities