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.

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