Plantago major (Greater Plantain, White Man's Foot, Broadleaf Plantain)


Botanical Information

FamilyPlantaginaceae
GenusPlantago
Speciesmajor
CategoryWildflowers & Weeds
OriginNative to Europe and northern and central Asia.
Ethnobotanical Uses
Disclaimer
Leaves are edible as salad greens when young and tender but quickly become tough and fibrous. Older leaves can be cooked in stews. Leaves contain calcium and other minerals. Seeds can be ground into flour substitute or extender.

Details

USDA Hardiness Ref.
Canada Hardiness Ref.
RHS Hardiness ZoneH7
RHS Hardiness Ref.
Height70 cm

Description and Growing Information

PropagationSeed.
CultivationFull sun and partial-shade. Well-drained and moist soil.
Leaf DescriptionThe leaves are oval-shaped, 5 - 20 cm long, 4 - 9 cm wide with an acute apex and smooth margin with 5 - 9 conspicuous veins. Stems are 13 - 15 cm tall.
Flower DescriptionSmall flowers with stamens. Produced in dense spikes that are 5 - 15 cm long on top of a stem.
Fruit DescriptionSeeds are held on the spikes. The seeds are small, oval-shaped with a bitter taste.
Colour DescriptionThe leaves are green. The flowers are greenish-brown with purple stamens.

Photographs