Flowering Months:
JAN
FEB
MAR
APR
MAY
JUN
JUL
AUG
SEP
OCT
NOV
DEC
Family:
Plantaginaceae (Plantain)
Also in this family:
Buck's-horn Plantain, Common Marestail, Cornish Moneywort, Crested Field Speedwell, Fairy Foxglove, Green Field Speedwell, Grey Field Speedwell, Hedge Veronica, Hoary Plantain, Italian Toadflax, Koromiko, Marsh Speedwell, Mountain Speedwell, Ribwort Plantain, Sea Plantain, Shoreweed, Slender Speedwell, Straw Foxglove, Weasel's Snout
Maximum Size:
50 centimetres tall
Habitats:
Disturbed ground, fields, gardens, grassland, lawns, meadows, moorland, roadsides, towns.
Greater Plantain produces long, narrow, upright spikes of tiny greenish-brown flowers from June to October. Each flower has inconspicuous petals but prominent cream-coloured stamens that give the spikes a faintly fuzzy appearance when in full bloom. Like other plantains, it is wind-pollinated, though it also attracts some insects, particularly small flies and bees. The flower spikes are unbranched and can grow up to 15 cm tall, rising directly from the basal rosette of leaves.
Fruit:
The flowers develop into small, oval seed capsules, each containing up to 20 tiny seeds. These seeds ripen in late summer and early autumn, and are readily scattered when the capsules dry and split. The seeds of Greater Plantain are an important food source for various birds, particularly finches. They can survive for many years in the soil, contributing to the plant’s persistence in disturbed or compacted areas.
Leaves:
The leaves of Greater Plantain form a flat, ground-hugging rosette and are broad, oval to elliptical, with five to seven parallel veins running from base to tip. They are hairless, leathery, and often have a slightly wavy margin. Individual leaves can grow up to 20 cm long and 10 cm wide. This tough, low-growing leaf structure makes the plant well-suited to trampling and common along footpaths, field edges, lawns, and other well-trodden habitats.
Fragrance:
Greater Plantain has no noticeable scent. The leaves and flowers emit a faint earthy or grassy aroma when crushed, but the plant is effectively scentless. It is not known for its fragrance and is not used in herbalism or cookery for any aromatic qualities.
Other Names:
Birdseed, Broadleaf Plantain, Common Plantain, Cuckoo's Bread, Doorweed, Dooryard Plantain, Englishman's Foot, Grand Plantain, Great Plantain, Healing Blade, Hen-plant, Large Plantain, Patrick's Dock, Rat-tail Plantain, Ripple Grass, Roundleaf Plantain, Snake Plant, Snakeweed, Waybread, Waybroad, White Man's Foot.
Summary
Plantago major, also known as Common Plantain or Greater Plantain, is a herbaceous perennial plant that is native to Europe and Asia but can be found all around the world. It is a low-growing plant that can reach a height of 20-50 cm. The leaves are basal, rosette-forming, and are typically dark green, glossy and smooth. The leaves are broad, oval-shaped, and have prominently veined. The flowers are small, white or green and arranged in a spike-like inflorescence on a stem that rises above the leaves.
Plantago major is a hardy and adaptable plant that can be found in a wide range of habitats, including gardens, meadows, roadsides, lawns and disturbed areas. It prefers well-drained soils and full sun or partial shade. It is considered a weed in some parts of the world, but has medicinal properties and the leaves are edible, usually cooked, and can be used as a substitute for spinach.
Blog
Greater Plantain, scientifically known as Plantago major, is a common herbaceous plant that is native to Europe, Asia, and North America. It is a versatile plant with a long history of medicinal and culinary use. In this blog, we will explore the various benefits of Greater Plantain and how it can be used in daily life.
Description and Habitat
Greater Plantain is a perennial plant that belongs to the Plantaginaceae family. It has a rosette of basal leaves that are oval or lanceolate in shape, with prominent parallel veins. The leaves are around 15-20 cm long and 5-15 cm wide. The stem of Greater Plantain is long and slender, and it can grow up to 50 cm tall.
Greater Plantain can be found in a variety of habitats, including lawns, meadows, fields, roadsides, and disturbed areas. It prefers moist soil and can tolerate both full sun and partial shade. It is a hardy plant that can grow in a range of climatic conditions.
Medicinal Uses
Greater Plantain has been used for centuries in traditional medicine to treat a variety of ailments. The plant contains a number of bioactive compounds, including iridoids, flavonoids, and phenolic acids, which have been shown to have anti-inflammatory, antioxidant, and antimicrobial properties.
One of the most well-known medicinal uses of Greater Plantain is as a natural remedy for respiratory issues. The plant contains mucilage, which can help to soothe irritated mucous membranes and reduce inflammation in the respiratory tract. It is often used to treat coughs, colds, and allergies.
Greater Plantain is also used to treat skin conditions such as eczema, psoriasis, and acne. The plant contains allantoin, which can help to moisturize and heal the skin. It is often used in skin care products to soothe and hydrate the skin.
Another benefit of Greater Plantain is its ability to improve digestive health. The plant contains a high amount of fiber, which can help to promote healthy digestion and prevent constipation. It can also help to soothe digestive issues such as stomach ulcers and irritable bowel syndrome.
Culinary Uses
Greater Plantain has a long history of culinary use. The young leaves can be eaten raw in salads or cooked like spinach. The seeds can be roasted and used as a coffee substitute, or ground into flour and used in baking.
In some cultures, the leaves of Greater Plantain are used as a wrap for food. The leaves are boiled briefly to soften them, then filled with a variety of ingredients such as meat, vegetables, or rice. The leaves can also be used to make tea, which has a mild, earthy flavor.
In conclusion, Greater Plantain is a versatile plant that has a wide range of medicinal and culinary uses. It is a natural remedy for respiratory issues, skin conditions, and digestive problems, and it can be used in a variety of dishes. Whether you are looking to improve your health or add a new flavor to your meals, Greater Plantain is a plant that is definitely worth exploring.
Some facts about Greater Plantain
Here are some additional facts and information about Greater Plantain:
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Greater Plantain has many other common names, including Common Plantain, Broadleaf Plantain, and Ripple Grass.
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The plant has a long history of use in traditional medicine in many cultures around the world, including Native American, European, and Chinese medicine.
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The seeds of Greater Plantain were once used as a natural laxative, and the leaves were applied topically to soothe insect bites and stings.
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Greater Plantain is a common weed in lawns and gardens, but it is also cultivated as a medicinal herb in some parts of the world.
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The plant is easy to grow and maintain, and it can be propagated by seed or by dividing the root system.
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Greater Plantain has been studied extensively for its potential health benefits, and research suggests that it may have anti-inflammatory, antioxidant, and antimicrobial properties.
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In addition to its medicinal uses, Greater Plantain is also used in cosmetics and personal care products, such as lotions, creams, and shampoos.
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The plant has a long history of use in traditional cuisines, and it can be found in many traditional dishes in Europe, Asia, and North America.
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Greater Plantain has a mild, slightly bitter flavor, and it is often used in soups, stews, and vegetable dishes. The young leaves can also be added to salads or used as a garnish.
In conclusion, Greater Plantain is a versatile and valuable plant that has a wide range of uses and benefits. Whether you are looking for a natural remedy for a health issue or a new ingredient to add to your meals, Greater Plantain is a plant that is definitely worth exploring.
And some more facts...
Here are some more interesting facts and uses of Greater Plantain:
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Greater Plantain is often used in folk medicine to treat skin conditions, such as rashes, burns, and wounds. It has been shown to have antimicrobial properties that can help prevent infection and promote healing.
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The plant is also used to relieve pain and inflammation caused by conditions like arthritis, gout, and joint pain. It contains salicylic acid, which is a natural anti-inflammatory compound.
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Greater Plantain has been used traditionally as a natural remedy for respiratory conditions like asthma, bronchitis, and coughs. The plant contains compounds that can help to soothe inflamed airways and reduce symptoms.
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In addition to its medicinal uses, Greater Plantain is also used as a natural dye. The leaves can be boiled to extract a greenish-yellow color that is used to dye fabric and yarn.
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The plant is also used in landscaping and permaculture design. It is a hardy plant that can tolerate a range of soil conditions, and its long taproot can help to break up compacted soil and improve soil structure.
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Greater Plantain is also used as a natural insect repellent. The leaves can be crushed and rubbed on the skin to repel mosquitoes, flies, and other biting insects.
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The plant has also been used as a food source for livestock and wildlife. The seeds are a valuable source of nutrition for birds and small mammals, and the leaves are eaten by some grazing animals like rabbits and deer.
In summary, Greater Plantain is a valuable plant that has a wide range of uses and benefits. From its medicinal properties to its uses in landscaping and natural dyeing, this plant is a versatile and important part of our natural world.
Video
Greater Plantain filmed by the side of the Leeds and Liverpool Canal 7th July 2022.
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