Plantago asiatica, commonly known as Chinese plantain or Asiatic plantain, is a perennial herb that is native to a variety of habitats in East Asia, including open fields, forest edges, and grasslands, as well as disturbed areas such as roadsides and cultivated lands. It typically grows 8-24 inches tall with broad, lanceolate leaves that form a basal rosette. The plant is characterized by erect spikes of small, inconspicuous white flowers that bloom from spring to summer, followed by oval fruits containing tiny, black seeds. The flowers are not particularly showy, but they are interesting upon close inspection.

Asiatic plantain is valued for its medicinal properties, as it has been used traditionally to treat various ailments. It is also appreciated for its low maintenance and ability to thrive in a wide range of soil conditions, although it prefers moist, well-drained soils. It can tolerate partial shade to full sun exposure. In cultivation, it is sometimes used in herbal gardens or as a ground cover in naturalized areas. Gardeners should be aware that it can become aggressive and spread rapidly via seeds and rhizomes, potentially outcompeting native species. Therefore, it is important to manage its growth and prevent unwanted spread.CC BY-SA 4.0