Greater plantain
Culinary referenceBroad-leaved relative used in the same ways.
Culinary reference
Ribwort plantain.
Plantago lanceolata
Also found as Narrowleaf plantain · English plantain
A lawn plantain with narrow, ribbed leaves and short dark flower heads ringed with white stamens.
Sources checked 27 September 2026 · Specialist field review pending
Before any gathering or use
Plantain pollen is a common allergen.
Where it grows
Tracked records and known growing zone
- Verified records
- 145,286
- People who recorded it
- 51,476
- Most records (northern hemisphere)
- Apr–Jun
- Records span
- 1972–2026
| January | 2452 |
|---|---|
| February | 2967 |
| March | 6960 |
| April | 27617 |
| May | 28104 |
| June | 24090 |
| July | 12945 |
| August | 8740 |
| September | 6875 |
| October | 4931 |
| November | 3087 |
| December | 2393 |
| January | 1009 |
|---|---|
| February | 690 |
| March | 617 |
| April | 2107 |
| May | 937 |
| June | 474 |
| July | 539 |
| August | 813 |
| September | 1557 |
| October | 2110 |
| November | 2067 |
| December | 1205 |
Research-grade iNaturalist records, snapshot Aug 27, 2026. The growing zone combines areas where different people have repeatedly verified it. Records show where people looked and found it, not current abundance or permission to gather.
01 / Learn to see
Field marks
- 01
Rosette of narrow, lance-shaped leaves with three to five strong parallel ribs.
- 02
Tough, grooved leafless flower stalks.
- 03
Short, dark brown flower heads with a ring of white stamens.
These are study prompts, not a complete identification key. Confirm the full plant with a regional flora and an experienced local identifier.
02 / Resolve the differences
Look closely. Compare.
Grasses
Grass leaves have one central vein, not several parallel ribs.
Use the botanical sourceSelected comparisons only. Other lookalikes may occur locally.
03 / Meet the place
Habitat & season
Range context
Native to Eurasia; naturalized nearly worldwide.
Watch the plant stage
Young leaves in spring; flowers from spring to autumn.
Stage guidance is not a local forecast. Check your climate, elevation and a regional source; no month-shift formula is used here.
04 / Gather with care
Documented use & care
Parts discussed: Young leaf · Seed
Cook young leaves; older ones are fibrous. Traditional poultice use for insect bites.
Care for the patch
Common in lawns and paths; harvest from unsprayed ground.
Preparation & storage essentials05 / Follow the evidence
Sources & review
- Wikipedia · Plantago lanceolataBotanical description, range and documented use
- iNaturalist · Plantago lanceolataTaxonomy and verified observation records
Checked 27 September 2026. Original editorial synthesis; source institutions have not reviewed or endorsed this guide. Independent botanical field review is pending. Photos illustrate specimens; they do not certify the identity of a plant you find.
Suggest a correction