The Snetsinger Butterfly Garden Directory

Despite its common name, pale Indian plantain isn’t a member of the plantain family, belonging instead to the sunflower (Asteraceae) tribe. The tall single stems grow from 5-8 feet high, and are topped by interestingly shaped corymbs of small blossoms.  These cool white flowers are uniquely designed to attract beneficial wasps, offering nectar like a ‘floral drinking fountain’ on hot summer days. To the human eye, the unusual foliage is perhaps its most striking feature. If you’re looking for something out of the ordinary for your meadow or native plant garden, pale Indian plantain provides novelty as well as a wealth of nectar for many pollinators. At the SBG, you’ll find it in the Native Bee Conservation area.