Evergreen Plantain

(Plantago sempervirens)

Evergreen Plantain (Plantago sempervirens)

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Estimated Native Range
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Summary

Plantago sempervirens, commonly known as Evergreen Plantain, is a perennial herb native to coastal areas, open rocky places, and sandy soils throughout Europe. It forms low, dense mats of foliage, typically reaching up to 6 inches (15 cm) in height. The leaves are dark green, leathery, and spoon-shaped, which contributes to its evergreen nature. From spring to early summer, it produces slender spikes up to 12 inches (30 cm) tall, topped with tiny white flowers that are not particularly showy but are attractive to pollinators.

Evergreen Plantain is valued for its drought tolerance and ability to thrive in poor, well-drained soils, making it suitable for rock gardens, xeriscaping, and as a ground cover in sunny, dry locations. It is also used in herbal medicine, traditionally for its purported wound-healing properties. In cultivation, it requires minimal maintenance, needing only occasional water once established and is tolerant of full sun to partial shade. While generally disease-free, it can occasionally suffer from rust or leaf spot. Evergreen Plantain is not known for aggressive roots or significant invasiveness, but it can self-seed and spread in favorable conditions.CC BY-SA 4.0

Plant Description

  • Plant Type: Herb
  • Height: 0.5-1 feet
  • Width: 0.5-1 feet
  • Growth Rate: Moderate
  • Flower Color: White
  • Flowering Season: Summer
  • Leaf Retention: Evergreen

Growth Requirements

  • Sun: Full Sun, Part Shade
  • Water: Medium
  • Drainage: Medium

Common Uses

Bee Garden, Erosion Control, Low Maintenance

Natural Habitat

native to coastal areas, open rocky places, and sandy soils throughout Europe

Other Names

Common Names: Shrubby Plantain

Scientific Names: , Plantago sempervirens, Plantago adspersa, Plantago bullata, Plantago crassa, Plantago crispa, Plantago crispa, Plantago crispa, Plantago cynops, Plantago cynops var. longepedunculata

GBIF Accepted Name: