This diploid (2n = 12) perennial is a cosmopolitan weed in temperate regions. In Ky. it is typical of mowed pastures, meadows and lawns, and may have been present in the Ohio Valley early after settlement (Gray 1864). However, Gm indicated that he first observed it in 1898, and that its spread was promoted due to "the seeds constantly present among clover seeds." Although Plantago in general is considered to be wind-pollinated, insects have been observed pollinating lanceolata (Clifford 1962; and pers. obs. at LBL in 2019).