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(Plantago erecta)
California Plantain (Plantago erecta)
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Mary K. Hanson
CC BY 4.0
Image By:
Mary K. Hanson
Recorded By:
Copyright:
CC BY 4.0
Copyright Notice:
Photo by: Mary K. Hanson | License Type: CC BY 4.0 | License URL: http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/ | Rights Holder: Mary K. Hanson | Publisher: iNaturalist | Date Created: 2019-04-22T08:04:50-07:00 |
Estimated Native Range
Climate Requirements for Union City, Georgia
| This Plant | Your Site | Plant Suitability for Your Location | ||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| • Precipitation | 2" - 80" | 51" | Aquatic | Aquatic |
| • High Temp. | 64°F - 110°F | 89°F | Your summer temperatures are normal for this plant. | Excellent |
| • Low Temp. | 2°F - 52°F | Unknown°F | Your winter temperatures are normal for this plant | Excellent |
This plant may not grow well at your location - your precipitation is too high.
Summary
Plantago erecta, commonly known as California plantain or foothill plantain, is a small annual herb that is native to the California, Oregon and Baja California. It is commonly found in grasslands, open oak woodlands, and chaparral environments. This plant typically grows up to 8 inches tall and features narrow, linear leaves and small, inconspicuous white flowers that are clustered on a stalk and bloom from March to May.
California plantain is valued for its role in supporting local ecosystems, particularly as a host species for the Edith’s checkerspot butterfly. It is well-adapted to a variety of soil types, including sandy, clay, or serpentine soils, and is often used in restoration projects and native plant gardens. It requires minimal maintenance and is drought-tolerant once established, making it suitable for xeriscaping. While not showy, its resilience and ecological importance make it a beneficial addition to appropriate garden settings.CC BY-SA 4.0
California plantain is valued for its role in supporting local ecosystems, particularly as a host species for the Edith’s checkerspot butterfly. It is well-adapted to a variety of soil types, including sandy, clay, or serpentine soils, and is often used in restoration projects and native plant gardens. It requires minimal maintenance and is drought-tolerant once established, making it suitable for xeriscaping. While not showy, its resilience and ecological importance make it a beneficial addition to appropriate garden settings.CC BY-SA 4.0
Plant Description
- Plant Type: Herb
- Height: 0.5-1 feet
- Width: 0.5-1 feet
- Growth Rate: Moderate
- Flower Color: Brown, Green, White
- Flowering Season: Spring
- Leaf Retention:
Growth Requirements
- Sun: Full Sun, Part Shade
- Water: Low
- Drainage: Fast, Medium
Common Uses
Bee Garden, Low Maintenance
Natural Habitat
Native to grasslands, open oak woodlands, and chaparral environments in California and parts of Oregon
Other Names
Common Names: California Plantain, English Plantain, Dwarf Plantain
Scientific Names: Plantago erecta, Plantago dura, Plantago erecta subsp. erecta, Plantago erecta subsp. rigidior, Plantago erecta var. erecta, Plantago erecta var. obversa, Plantago obversa, Plantago obversa, Plantago obversa subsp. rigidior
GBIF Accepted Name: Plantago erecta