Photo: sannse · CC BY-SA 3.0
Plant Facts
Quick Answer
Plantain (Ribwort) pollen is shown in this guide as an orange and amber tone. It is listed as wildflower, associated with summer bloom timing, USDA zone 5 - 8, and pollen forage value.
Pollen Color Notes
The visual color shown for Plantain (Ribwort) is grouped broadly with orange and amber pollen tones. It is intended for comparison and identification support, not as a laboratory measurement.
Pollen color is highly variable. Lighting, pollen age, moisture, collection method, cultivar, and local growing conditions can all change how pollen appears. Use this as general visual guidance, not a scientific color standard or guaranteed field match.
Bloom, Zone, and Forage Context
Plantain (Ribwort) is listed for summer. The record lists USDA zone 5 - 8; hardiness zones are planning context, not a precise flowering calendar. Approximate bloom months in the supplemental notes: April, May, June, July, August, September, October.
Its forage type is pollen, with pollen value marked as medium. The plant is wind-pollinated and produces pollen rather than nectar; bee collection is opportunistic.
Identification Notes
A rosette perennial with narrow parallel-ribbed leaves and dense cylindrical flower spikes. This is the same species as the separate Buck Plantain listing.
Flower color note: Brownish spikes with pale projecting anthers. Flower color and pollen color may differ.
Related by Similar Color
Related by Season
Related by Plant Type
Related by USDA Zone
Related by Bee Forage
Sources
United States Department of Agriculture / reviewed 2026-07-12
scientific name, common name, distribution context, plant classification NC State Extension Gardener Plant Toolbox
North Carolina State University Extension / reviewed 2026-07-12
plant identification, flower description, landscape and growing context Wikipedia and Wikimedia Commons
Wikimedia Foundation contributors / reviewed 2026-07-12
plant image, image credit link