Plantago media
hoary plantain
An herbaceous perennial that forms a basal rosette of soft, green, lanceolate to elliptic leaves 7-12 cm long with prominent parallel veins. It grows 15-50 cm tall with a spread of about 10cm. From May to September, it produces small, pinkish-white flowers in dense cylindrical spikes on tall, slender stems
Other common names
fire leavesfireweed
see morehealing herb
kemps
lamb's ear
lamb's legs
lamb's tongue
llwynhidydd llwyd
Size
Ultimate height
0.1–0.5 metresTime to ultimate height
1 yearUltimate spread
0.1–0.5 metresGrowing conditions
Moisture
Moist but well–drainedpH
Acid, Alkaline, NeutralColour & scent
| Stem | Flower | Foliage | Fruit | |
| Spring | Green | |||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Summer | Pink White | Green | ||
| Autumn | Green | |||
| Winter |
Position
- Full sun
- Partial shade
Aspect
East–facing or South–facing or West–facing
Exposure
Exposed or Sheltered Hardiness
H7Botanical details
- Family
- Plantaginaceae
- Native to GB / Ireland
- Yes
- Foliage
- Deciduous or Semi evergreen
- Habit
- Clump forming
- Genus
A genus of 200 species of flowering plants, mainly herbaceous but with a small number of subshrubs, and often classed as a weed. Broad or narrow foliage with long stalks of inconspicuous flowers that are wind-pollinated
- Name status
Correct
- Plant range
- Europe, N Asia
How to grow
Cultivation
Most vigorous in open, sunny sites, but will tolerate a range of positions and soil types, including heavy and compacted soils. See Creating wildflower meadows for further advice
Propagation
Propagates by seed, wind pollinated
Suggested planting locations and garden types
- Cottage and informal garden
- Wildflower meadow
- Wildlife gardens
Pruning
No pruning required
Pests
Generally pest-free
Diseases
Generally disease-free
Get involved
The Royal Horticultural Society is the UK’s leading gardening charity. We aim to enrich everyone’s life through plants, and make the UK a greener and more beautiful place.