Plantago patagonica, commonly known as woolly plantain, is a perennial herb native to a variety of habitats including grasslands, open woodlands, and prairies across North America, which encompasses southern Canada, the western and central United States, and northern Mexico, as well as extending into parts of South America. It typically produces a rosette of linear or narrowly lance-shaped basal leaves that can reach up to 4 inches in length. The leaves are often covered in fine hairs, giving the plant a woolly appearance. Woolly plantain blooms from late spring to early summer, with inconspicuous flowers that are wind-pollinated.

Woolly plantain is valued for its drought tolerance and ability to thrive in poor, compacted soils, making it a suitable choice for restoration projects and xeriscaping. It is also used in traditional medicine for its purported health benefits. In cultivation, it requires minimal care, thriving in full sun to part shade and in well-drained soils. While it is not typically grown for ornamental purposes, its resilience makes it a practical ground cover in challenging environments. Gardeners should be cautious, as Plantago patagonica can become invasive outside its native range, particularly in similar dry habitats.CC BY-SA 4.0