Plantago elongata, commonly known as prairie plantain or slender plantain, is an annual herb native to grasslands, open woodlands, and meadows in western North America, ranging from British Columbia to California and east to Minnesota. It often occupies wet habitats, including vernal pools, wet meadows, and areas with saline or alkali soils. Prairie plantain typically grows to a modest height of up to 7 inches tall, with narrow, linear leaves that form a basal rosette. The erect inflorescences are characterized by a spike of tiny, inconspicuous flowers with green bracts, which bloom from late spring to early summer. The flowers are not particularly showy but are attractive to various pollinators.

Prairie plantain is valued for its ability to thrive in moist, disturbed areas, making it suitable for restoration projects and native plant gardens. It is also used in rain gardens and as a ground cover in wetland areas. This plant prefers full sun to part shade and requires consistently moist soil conditions. It is relatively low-maintenance, but gardeners should be aware that it can self-seed prolifically under ideal conditions. While not commonly afflicted by diseases, it can be outcompeted by more aggressive plants in a garden setting.CC BY-SA 4.0