1. Dot-seed Plantain – Plantago erecta
(plan-TAY-go ee-REC-tuh)
Family: Plantaginacaceae (Plantain Family)
Native to: Throughout California from OR to Baja; on grassy beaches, dunes, stable sandy flats,
vernal pools, ridges and rock outcrops.
herbaceous annual mature height: 1-12 in.
mature width:
Slender, erect plant with slightly hairy stems and flower stalks. Attractive light green.
petite.
Growth characteristics:
1-5 In.
Neat &
Blooms Mar-May. Flowers are small, papery, white-green and borne on erect stalk.
Very small but attractive up close.
Blooms/fruits:
Uses in the garden: Pleasant in annual wildflower garden (plant up front – very small). Excellent for
rock garden, miniature garden or in pots as a cover for bulbs. Does well in disturbed soils, so good
for restoring disturbed areas. Useful as an annual groundcover or to fill between other plants.
Sensible substitute for: Small non-native annuals, ornamental grasses.
Attracts: Larval food for Checkerspot and Buckeye butterflies. Birds eat seeds.
Requirements:
Element
Sun
Soil
Water
Fertilizer
Other
Requirement
Full sun to part shade
Any; sand to clay
No summer water; requires winter water to germinate
none
Out-competed by non-native annual grasses. Does best if soil is bare, and surface
is slightly disturbed.
Easy under right conditions. Let plants dry out after flowering to promote
seed-set. Will reseed but may not come back every year.
Management:
Propagation: from seed:
no special requirements; sow in place; will germinate in warm spring
weather.
Plant/seed sources (see list for source numbers): 1, 2, 14, 16, 24
12/9/10
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