Plantago camtschatica aka Plantago Arctica

Plantago camtschatica is a small plant that lives for several years. It belongs to the plantain family, Plantaginaceae. Its native range runs from the Russian Far East to Korea and Japan. Kew places it in the temperate zone. Plants For A Future records it on sandy shores throughout Japan. The RHS confirms it is not native to Britain or Ireland. These records place it in eastern Asia. They also show that it grows on Japan's coast.

The plant reaches about 1 foot [0.3 metres] in height. It does not end its life cycle within one year. The supplied species records give no mature width or growth rate. They give no clear account of its leaves or stems. Its flowers have both male and female organs. Wind carries the pollen. The plant can also use its own pollen to set seed. The sources give no flowering months or details of its fruit.

Plants For A Future lists sand and loam as suitable soils. The soil should drain well, but may be dry or moist. The stated pH range spans slightly acid to slightly alkaline soil. It also includes neutral soil. The species needs an open site and does not grow in shade. It can also cope with sea winds. These traits fit the sandy shores where it grows in Japan. The source lists garden beds as a place to grow it. It gives no details on its value for show. Nor does it name plants to grow with it.

Plants For A Future is unsure how well it withstands British cold. It suggests the plant may live outdoors across much of Britain. It bases this view on habitat, not reports from growing trials. Its further growing notes concern the genus, not this species alone. It suggests sowing seeds in a cold frame in spring. Move seedlings to their own pots when large enough to handle. Plant them out in early summer. You can also sow straight into the soil from mid to late spring.

You can eat the young leaves raw or cooked. Plants For A Future gives food use a low rating. It reports no known hazards. This does not mean the plant is safe for pets. The supplied evidence gives no pest or disease details for this species. The source does not flag this plant as weedy. It lists no uses beyond its food and medicinal entries.