Create Your Garden

Plantago erecta (California Plantain)

Dotseed Plantain, California Plantain, Foothill Plantain, English Plantain, Plantago erecta ssp. rigidior, Plantago hookeriana var. californica, Plantago patagonica var. californica

Plantago erecta, Dotseed Plantain, California Plantain, Foothill Plantain, white flowers, California Wildflowers, California Native Plants
Plantago erecta, Dotseed Plantain, California Plantain, Foothill Plantain, white flowers, California Wildflowers, California Native Plants
Plantago erecta, Dotseed Plantain, California Plantain, Foothill Plantain, white flowers, California Wildflowers, California Native Plants

Plantago erecta (California Plantain) is a small annual wildflower forming a rosette of very narrow, grass-like, pale green leaves, 1-5 in. long (2-12 cm), covered with sparse, silky hairs. In early to mid-spring, short cylindrical clusters of sessile flowers with 4 translucent, papery, white to tan petals, sit atop leafless stalks. They are followed by tiny capsules that dehisce when the seeds are mature. This annual species is regarded as a “drought avoider”. It emerges early in the winter rainy season, develops quickly, and typically releases seeds and withers prior to hot, dry summers. California Plantain grows in sandy, clay, or serpentine soils, on grassy slopes and flats or open woodland, from California to Oregon. It is used where cool season annuals are desired to provide early cover for erosion control. This early annual compliments later emerging shrubs and perennials, while also providing a food source for the rare Quino checkerspot butterfly.

  • Grows up to 12 in. tall (30 cm).
  • Performs best in full sun or part shade in well-drained soils. Very adaptable California Plantain tolerates low fertility to deep, fertile soils, gravelly, sandy, clayey, and serpentine soils.
  • Good choice for beds and borders, butterfly gardens, meadows, and wildflower gardens.
  • No serious pest or disease issues.
  • Propagate by seed.
  • Native to Baja California, California, and Oregon.

Requirements

Hardiness 4 - 10
Plant Type Annuals
Plant Family Plantaginaceae
Common names English Plantain
Exposure Full Sun, Partial Sun
Season of Interest Spring (Early, Mid)
Height 6" - 1'
(15cm - 30cm)
Maintenance Low
Water Needs Low
Soil Type Clay, Loam, Sand
Soil pH Acid, Alkaline, Neutral
Soil Drainage Well-Drained
Characteristics Showy
Native Plants United States, California, Oregon, Pacific Northwest
Tolerance Drought
Attracts Butterflies
Garden Uses Beds And Borders
Garden Styles Prairie and Meadow, Informal and Cottage
How Many Plants
Do I Need?

Recommended Companion Plants

Ceanothus cuneatus (Buckbrush)
Lasthenia californica (California Goldfields)
While every effort has been made to describe these plants accurately, please keep in mind that height, bloom time, and color may differ in various climates. The description of these plants has been written based on numerous outside resources.
Buy Plants

Requirements

Hardiness 4 - 10
Plant Type Annuals
Plant Family Plantaginaceae
Common names English Plantain
Exposure Full Sun, Partial Sun
Season of Interest Spring (Early, Mid)
Height 6" - 1'
(15cm - 30cm)
Maintenance Low
Water Needs Low
Soil Type Clay, Loam, Sand
Soil pH Acid, Alkaline, Neutral
Soil Drainage Well-Drained
Characteristics Showy
Native Plants United States, California, Oregon, Pacific Northwest
Tolerance Drought
Attracts Butterflies
Garden Uses Beds And Borders
Garden Styles Prairie and Meadow, Informal and Cottage
How Many Plants
Do I Need?

Gardening Ideas

Plant Calculator

How many Plantago erecta (California Plantain) do I need for my garden?

Input your garden space dimensions

Your Shopping List

Plant Quantity
Plantago erecta (California Plantain) N/A Buy Plants

Please Login to Proceed

You Have Reached The Free Limit, Please Subscribe to Proceed

Subscribe to Gardenia

To create additional collections, you must be a paid member of Gardenia
  • Add as many plants as you wish
  • Create and save up to 25 garden collections
Become a Member

Plant Added Successfully

You have Reached Your Limit

To add more plants, you must be a paid member of our site Become a Member

Update Your Credit
Card Information

Cancel

Create a New Collection

Sign Up to Our Newsletter

    You have been subscribed successfully

    Join Gardenia.net

    Create a membership account to save your garden designs and to view them on any device.

    Becoming a contributing member of Gardenia is easy and can be done in just a few minutes. If you provide us with your name, email address and the payment of a modest $25 annual membership fee, you will become a full member, enabling you to design and save up to 25 of your garden design ideas.

    Join now and start creating your dream garden!

    Join Gardenia.net

    Create a membership account to save your garden designs and to view them on any device.

    Becoming a contributing member of Gardenia is easy and can be done in just a few minutes. If you provide us with your name, email address and the payment of a modest $25 annual membership fee, you will become a full member, enabling you to design and save up to 25 of your garden design ideas.

    Join now and start creating your dream garden!

    Find your Hardiness Zone

    Find your Heat Zone

    Find your Climate Zone