Plant · GBIF taxon 3189767
greater plantain
Plantago majorAlso known as Broadleaf Plantain, Common Plantain, Broad-leaved Plantain, Waybread
Broad, heavily ribbed basal leaves hug the ground in dense rosettes, allowing greater plantain to withstand heavy foot traffic that crushes competing vegetation. Slender, erect flower spikes rise above the foliage throughout summer, producing hundreds of tiny wind-pollinated blooms. Known historically as white man's footprint because it spread rapidly alongside European settlement, this durable perennial prospers in compacted soils across lawns, roadsides, and footpaths worldwide.
PerennialUrban WildlifeWind-Pollinated
—observations
—countries
—peak records
Least ConcernConservation statusIUCN Red List categoriesLCNTVUENCREWEXLeast ConcernRed List categories, explained →
Diet & prey
- Autotrophic (Photosynthesis)
Predators
- Caterpillars
- Rabbits
- Grazing Cattle
ThreatsHerbicide application, intensive tillage, frequent lawn mowing
HabitatsDisturbed ground, lawns, footpaths, roadsides, pastures
Life spanPerennial (3 to 5 years)
Size / weightNot available
Classification
- FamilyPlantaginaceae
- SpeciesPlantago major
Range data is not available yet.
Interaction riskLow
- Low
- Moderate
- High
- Very high
- Why interaction risk is low
- Safe to observe at a normal distance.
Responsible observation
- Leaf Identification: Look for 3 to 9 parallel veins running along broad oval leaves that taper into a thick stalk.
- Spike Check: Inspect the tall central spikes in late summer to see tiny yellowish-green flowers mature into seed pods.
- Habitat Spotting: Search along compacted soil paths, lawn edges, and cracks in pavement.
Frequent Companion Walther Otto Müller / Public domain · cc0
Close Relative Close Relative Close Relative
Help improve the field guideSomething wrong?
Checking your Fauna account…Report a name, category, or profile issue for review.