Plantago lanceolata is a species of flowering plant in the plantain family Plantaginaceae. It is known by the common name ribwort plantain. It is a common weed on cultivated or disturbed land. The plant is a rosette-forming perennial herb, with leafless, silky, hairy flower stems. Each flower can produce up to two hundred seeds. It is native to temperate Eurasia, widespread throughout the British Isles, but scarce on the most acidic soils. It is present and widespread in the Americas and Australia as an introduced species. Plantago lanceolata was used frequently in herbal teas and other herbal remedies. A tea from the leaves was commonly used as a cough medicine. In the traditional Austrian medicine Plantago lanceolata leaves have been used internally (as syrup or tea) or externally (fresh leaves) for treatment of disorders of the respiratory tract, skin, insect bites, and infections.