The ID of Kyla's Plantago major the other day got me thinking about the similar, smaller plant I have growing in my yard.



Does anyone know if this would also be Plantago major, or is it something else? It doesn't get very big but proliferates like crazy if I don't pull the seed/flower stalks out.

yes Plantago major

thanks, Stefan!
Guess I'll add that to my list of plants I have--whether I want to have it or not!

Remember it is a host plant for that Common Buckeye (is that the right name?) butterfly, that may make you like it better.

*goes to check butterfly name again....*
*yep, Common Buckeye*

kylaluaz said:Remember it is a host plant for that Common Buckeye (is that the right name?) butterfly, that may make you like it better.

*goes to check butterfly name again....*
*yep, Common Buckeye*

good point, Kyla! I keep trying to remember that!

Just found this about it in wiki:
'Plantago major is notable for its ability to colonize compacted and disturbed soils, and to survive repeated trampling.
Reportedly brought to the Americas by Puritan colonizers, plantain was known among some Native American peoples by the common name "white man's footprint", due to how it thrived in the disturbed and damaged ecosystems surrounding European settlements. The ability of plantain to survive frequent trampling and colonize compacted soils makes it important for soil rehabilitation. Its roots break up hardpan surfaces, while simultaneously holding together the soil to prevent erosion.'
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/...

well, that makes me feel good about the ecosystem that is my front lawn!