Plantago maritima (Sea Plantain, Seaside Plantain, Goose Tongue)
Botanical Information
| Family | Plantaginaceae |
| Genus | Plantago |
| Species | maritima |
| Category | Wildflowers & Weeds |
| Origin | Native to most of Europe. |
| Ethnobotanical Uses Disclaimer | Leaves can be harvested to be eaten raw or cooked. The seeds are also eaten raw or cooked and can be ground into flour. |
Details
| USDA Hardiness Ref. | |
| Canada Hardiness Ref. | |
| RHS Hardiness Ref. | |
| Growth | Medium |
| Flowering Period | May, June |
Description and Growing Information
| Shape | Dense, spreading and upright. |
| Cultivation | Full sun in well-drained and moist soil. |
| Habitat | Coastal, alpines and along mountain streams. |
| Leaf Description | Dense rosette of stemless leaves. Each leave is linear, thick, 2 - 22 cm long and 1 cm wide with an acute apex and distantly toothed margin (3 - 5 veins). Stems are 3 - 20 cm tall. |
| Flower Description | Small flowers with stamens that produce dense spikes 0.5 - 10 cm long on top of a stem. |
| Colour Description | The leaves are green. The flowers are greenish-brown with a brown stamen. |
| Texture Description | The leaves have a fleshy texture. The margin in smooth in texture. |
Photographs
Scanning electron microscope image of pollen grain.