Adapted from Tarwyn Park Training’s “Learning from Plants” series
Common Names: Ribwort, Lamb’s Tongue, Ribgrass
Scientific Name: Plantago species
Succession Role: Late Succession Accumulator
Plantain is a hardy perennial herb found across lawns, cropping paddocks, pastures, and even footpaths.
Recognisable by its long, narrow leaves and tall flower spikes, it has followed the spread of agriculture around the world—earning it the nickname “white man’s footprints.”
In the landscape, a dominance of Plantain can signal:
- Hard, compacted soils or shallow hardpans
- Low organic matter and reduced soil biology
- Bare, overgrazed, or fallowed ground
However, it’s not all bad news—Plantain can play a valuable role in regenerating tired soils. To shift the balance, consider:
- Improving moisture retention through ground cover and water-spreading practices
- Changing grazing or cropping practices to avoid bare ground
- Building organic matter with compost, mulch, and cover crops
- Introducing a diverse plant mix to support a healthier pasture ecosystem
Plantain is more than just a soil indicator:
- For livestock: High digestibility and protein levels (around 16%), with trials showing better lamb growth and lower worm burdens compared to ryegrass
- For people: Traditionally used for its healing and anti-inflammatory properties—helping with wounds, coughs, and digestive issues. The young leaves are edible (if a little bitter), and its seeds are rich in soluble fibre (think psyllium).
Plantain thrives in tough conditions—but with the right management, it can shift from a symptom of soil stress to a valuable contributor in a diverse pasture mix.
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