Common Australian Garden Weeds

Plantago lanceolata

Scientific name: Plantago lanceolata L.


Overhead view of ribwort (Plantago lanceolata) with rosette habit and long and thin (lanceolate) leaves.


Close-up of the inflorescence of ribwort with small flowers and prominent white anthers.


Close-up of a younger inflorescence.


Seedling of ribwort showing leaves with lengthwise parallel veins.

Common name: Ribwort, common plantain

Family: Plantaginaceae

Origin:

Native of Europe and northern and central Asia.

Habit:

Annual or biennial herb forming a rosette of leaves and a thick taproot. Erect flower spikes form at the top of erect 20-60 cm tall stalks

Habitat:

Common weed of pastures, cultivation, lawns and roadsides.

General description:

Stems and leaves

Plants form a tufted rosette of lance-shaped leaves up to 20 cm. Leaves have five prominent veins running lengthwise, more or less parallel in the broader parts of the blade. The base of the leaf blade tapers so there is no distinct petiole (leaf stalk). Stem and leaves can be either hairless or have sparse long hairs.

Flowers and fruit

Flowers are small and clustered on cylindrical spikes 1-10 cm long. Plants produce a number of 20-80 cm long leafless stalks each carrying a single inflorescence. Fruits are egg-shaped capsules 3-4 mm long. Flowering occurs spring to autumn.

Distinguishing characteristics:

Common herb forming a tuft of lance-like leaves with compact cylindrical spikes carried on upright stalks. Veins of leaves are more or less parallel.

Noxious status:

Not noxious.

Sources:

Kleinschmidt, H.E., Holland, A. and Simpson, P. (1996). Suburban Weeds. 3rd Edition. Department of Primary Industries, Brisbane.

Stanley, T.E. and Ross, E.M. (1983-1989). Flora of South-eastern Queensland. Volume 2. Department of Primary Industries, Brisbane.

Auld, B.A. and Medd, R.W. (1996). Weeds: An Illustrated Botanical Guide to Weeds of Australia. Inkata Press, Sydney.