Ribwort plantain is a very successful weed able, unlike many other plants to grow in dry compacted soils. It has a native Eurasian distribution but has been introduced in N. America and Australia. The small flowers are arranged in  compact spikes which lengthen as flowers develop from below up. Although the weed can be troublesome in gardens and agricultural settings, it has its value; the young tender leaves are a composite of horta, and the plants are an important food plants for a variety of moths.