There are many differences in nature for ribgrass. Commercial selections tend to have up-right growing leaves, Tonic being much more erect while Lancelot is more prostrate and designed to persist under heavy sheep grazing. Both cultivars have pubescence and distinct ribs on ovate, elongated leaves. Both cultivars may be easily distinguished from the species of Buckhorn plantain which is a troublesome weed and unpalatable to cattle, by the flowers. Buckhorn has a short, curved, rough bloom and ribgrass has a longer, vertical stem with a plumb, round bloom that usually extends above the leaves.
Leaves grow from a single rosette crown at the top of a deep tap root.
Area of Adaptation Ribgrass is found in many different climate zones, but Ceres Tonic and Grasslands Tonic are adapted to climate zone 5 and warmer areas. Tonic is quite winter active, Lancelot somewhat more dormant during cool temperatures. Ribgrass is adapted to a wide range of soil benefiting from a deep tap root that mines sub-soil and gives it an advantage in poorly fertilized pastures and creating drought tolerance. Ribgrass is a prolific c seed yielding plant and where livestock don't eat all the blooms seed will mature and shatter providing a natural mechanism for maintaining a suitable stand. Primary Use Mixed pastures for grazing with combinations of clovers, alfalfa and many different grass species.