Plantago major (Greater Plantain, White Man's Foot, Broadleaf Plantain)
Botanical Information
Family | Plantaginaceae |
Genus | Plantago |
Species | major |
Category | Wildflowers & Weeds |
Origin | Native 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 Zone | H7 |
RHS Hardiness Ref. | |
Height | 70 cm |
Description and Growing Information
Propagation | Seed. |
Cultivation | Full sun and partial-shade. Well-drained and moist soil. |
Leaf Description | The 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 Description | Small flowers with stamens. Produced in dense spikes that are 5 - 15 cm long on top of a stem. |
Fruit Description | Seeds are held on the spikes. The seeds are small, oval-shaped with a bitter taste. |
Colour Description | The leaves are green. The flowers are greenish-brown with purple stamens. |