ribwort plantain

plant

Also known as: Plantago lanceolata

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Last updated

July 13, 2026

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Ribwort plantain, also known as Plantago lanceolata, is a species within the Plantago genus, which belongs to the Plantaginaceae family. This plant is characterized by its long, narrow, ribbed leaves that taper to a point. Native to Eurasia, it has become widely naturalized as a weed in many areas. While some plantain species are considered troublesome weeds, others, like Plantago ovata, have medicinal uses, particularly for their mucilaginous seeds which are used in laxative preparations.12

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Plantago
Ribwort and hoary plantain (P. lanceolata and P. media, respectively) are troublesome weeds. By contrast, psyllium and P. ovata have been useful in medical science; they produce mucilaginous seeds, which have been used, for example, in laxative preparations known as psyllium, ispaghul, or spogel seeds.
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Ribwort and hoary plantain (P. lanceolata and P. media, respectively) are troublesome weeds. By contrast, psyllium and P. ovata have been useful in medical science; they produce mucilaginous seeds, which have been used, for example, in laxative preparations known as psyllium, ispaghul, or spogel seeds.
Read More