Scientific Name: Plantago varia

Common Name: variable plantain

Family Classification (Clade): Eudicots

Family: Plantaginaceae

Form Description: Perennial herb which is very variable in size and form. Leaves are erect or half-spreading and arise from the base of the stem. The leaf are pale greyish-green, have 1-5 prominent longitudinal veins, and range in length from 1-30cm.

Flowers: Flowers are usually in cylindrical spikes, sometimes in heads or reduced to 2-3 flowers, and borne on erect flowering stems which are usually longer than the leaves.

Fruit: Capsule – opens by a lid.

Municipality
Break O’DayBrightonBurnieCentral HighlandsClarenceDerwent ValleyDevonportDorsetFlindersGeorge TownGlamorgan-Spring BayGlenorchyHobartHuon ValleyKentishKingboroughLatrobeLauncestonMeander ValleyNorthern MidlandsSorellSouthern MidlandsTasmanWaratah-WynyardWest CoastWest Tamar
Plant Communities
No data available for this species
Habitat Notes

Widespread and abundant in lowland habitats.

General Notes

Attracts the migratory Meadow Argus butterfly (Junonia villida calybe), which lays its eggs on the leaves.

Propagation Calendar

  • Flowering Month
    Jan Feb Mar Apr May Jun Jul Aug Sep Oct Nov Dec
  • Seed Collecting Month
    Jan Feb Mar Apr May Jun Jul Aug Sep Oct Nov Dec
  • Sowing Month
    Jan Feb Mar Apr May Jun Jul Aug Sep Oct Nov Dec
  • Cutting Month
    Jan Feb Mar Apr May Jun Jul Aug Sep Oct Nov Dec
Propagation Method
Seed

Seed Information

Seed Treatment Method

Surface Sow Sow seed finely on the surface of the potting mix and cover with just enough mix to hold the seed on the surface when watered.

Seed Treatment Notes

Surface sow as light may increase germination. May have an after-ripening period. May be successful in direct seeding.