UCI Ecological Preserve, Irvine, CA. 4-7-11. © Joan Avise

California plantain

Plantago erecta

A common small grass-like shaggy annual of grasslands, coastal sage scrub and openings in chaparral, especially on clay soil. It is a major larval host of the endangered Quino Checkerspot Butterfly, Euphydryas editha quino. This plant has been largely displaced by annual European weeds (Clarke p. 327).

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UCI Ecological Preserve, Irvine, CA. 4-7-11. © Joan Avise

Crystal Cove State Park, Laguna Beach, CA. 3-21-09. © Joan Avise

UCI Ecological Preserve, Irvine, CA. 3-22-10. © Joan Avise

Four fused sepals, 4 fused petals, 4 stamens, each flower 1/8 in. James Dilley Preserve, Laguna Beach, CA. 4-24-10. © Joan Avise

2-10 in. high, leafless flower stems arise from basal rosette. James Dilley Preserve, Laguna Beach, CA. 4-24-10. © Joan Avise

Sometimes grows in dense masses. Irvine Regional Park, Irvine, CA. 3-09-08. © Joan Avise

Stagecoach So. Trail, nr. Nix Ctr., Lag Cst Wldns., 4-7-13. © Ron Vanderhoff
 

East Ridge Trail, Casper's Park, 2-22-15. © Ron Vanderhoff