Herb · Plantaginaceae family
Ribwort plantain
Plantago lanceolata
In short a 10-second read
spacing 25 cm
Where to plant and how much to water
Sun, soil and water.
It grows best in full sun, in dry to average soil.
Sun
Soil
Frost
How much space it takes
Mature size.
The mature plant next to a person (175 cm).
Plant 25 cm apart.
Reaches maturity in about 1–1 years. The final size depends on the cultivar and the spot — we give the range from smallest to largest.
Calendar
Through the year.
Months for Central Europe. The line shows the current month.
The year at a glance
Flowers
May–September · brown or white
Sowing
direct sowing: March–August; sow indoors: February–March
Care
remove flower stems (May–June)
What to plant now (February) full list in February (20) →What to plant now (March) full list in March (285) →What to plant now (April) full list in April (324) →What to plant now (May) full list in May (186) →What to plant now (June) full list in June (58) →What to plant now (July) full list in July (26) →What to plant now (August) full list in August (25) →
Feeding
Nutrition.
Frequently asked
Quick answers.
When does ribwort plantain flower?
In May–September; the flowers are brown or white.
When do I sow ribwort plantain?
In February–August (direct sowing, sow indoors).
Does ribwort plantain tolerate shade?
No, it needs full sun.
How much space does ribwort plantain need?
At maturity 0.1–0.5 m wide and 0.1–0.5 m tall; recommended spacing 25 cm.
Sources (12) Checked 19 October 2026
- plants.ces.ncsu.edu
- rhs.org.uk
- illinoiswildflowers.info
- pladias.cz
- api.gbif.org
- semo.cz
- kraeuter-und-duftpflanzen.de
- ema.europa.eu 2
- yardandgarden.extension.iastate.edu
- Invasive plant lists — this species is not on them: EASIN, Slovakia
Similar plants
Have a look at these too.
Preparation and use · ribwort plantain
How to prepare it.
According to the monograph of the European Medicines Agency (EMA).
part: leaf
For: irritation of the mouth or throat and associated dry cough, cough with a cold For whom: From 12 years · adolescents, adults, elderly
- What you use
- Herb
- How it is used
- By mouth
- Single dose
- 1.4–2 g of dried leaves in 150–250 ml of boiling water
- How often
- 2–3× a day
- Daily total
- 4–6 g a day
- How long
- If symptoms last longer than 1 week or get worse, see a doctor.
Method
- 1
Put 1.4–2 g of dried leaves in a cup.
- 2
Pour over 150–250 ml of boiling water.
- 3
Steep for 5–15 min.
10:00 - 4
Drink 2–3× a day.
part: leaf
Compress at home
For: minor skin inflammation For whom: From 3 years · children, adolescents, adults, elderly
- What you use
- Herb
- How it is used
- On the skin
- Single dose
- 1.4 g of dried leaves in 150 ml of water
- How often
- 3–4× a day
- Daily total
- 4.2–5.6 g a day
- How long
- If symptoms last longer than 1 week or get worse, see a doctor.
Method
- 1
Put 1.4 g of dried leaves in a jar.
- 2
Pour over 150 ml of cold water.
- 3
Leave to stand for 30 min.
30:00 - 4
Soak a cloth and apply it 3–4× a day.
Dosage
| Form | Single dose | How often | For whom | How long | Instructions |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Herbal tea (infusion)at homepart: leaffor: irritation of the mouth or throat and associated dry cough, cough with a cold | 1.4–2 g of dried leaves in 150–250 ml of boiling water | 2–3× a day · 4–6 g a day in total | From 12 years · adolescents, adults, elderly | longer than 1 week → see a doctor | |
| Compressat homepart: leaffor: minor skin inflammation | 1.4 g of dried leaves in 150 ml of water | 3–4× a day · 4.2–5.6 g a day in total | From 3 years · children, adolescents, adults, elderly | longer than 1 week → see a doctor | |
| Children under 3: not recommended | |||||
How long
If symptoms last longer than 1 week or get worse, see a doctor.
Who should not use it
- Children under 3: not recommended
- If hypersensitive (allergic) to this plant
- During pregnancy and breastfeeding (not recommended)
Cautions
- If shortness of breath, fever or purulent sputum occurs, see a doctor.

















