Plantago major aka Common Plantain

Taxonomy

Plantago major, commonly known as broadleaf plantain or greater plantain, is a low-growing herbaceous perennial native to Eurasia. It belongs to the plantain family, Plantaginaceae. This plant features a rosette of dark green leaves with pale green veins and stems. The leaves are broad and oval-shaped, measuring 5-20 cm in length and 4-9 cm in width, with a smooth margin and a distinct petiole almost as long as the leaf itself. There are five to nine prominent veins running along the length of each leaf. The plant produces leafless spikes on upright stems, reaching up to 20 cm in height. These spikes bear small, tightly clustered brownish purple flowers. The young and tender leaves can be consumed raw, while the older and more fibrous leaves can be boiled and added to stews. It's important to note that broadleaf plantain should not be confused with the fruit known as plantain, which is a type of banana.

Common names

Common Plantain, Broadleaf Plantain, Plantain

How to care for Common Plantain

Difficulty

Caring for Common Plantain is a breeze, as it is highly adaptable and forgiving to minor neglect.

Water

Common Plantain should be watered regularly, allowing the soil to dry out between waterings.

Soil

Common Plantain loves a well-draining soil. Perlite and vermiculite help with drainage, while coco coir adds organic matter, so a good potting soil mix will have all three. You can improve store-bought soil by adding some perlite to it.

Lighting

Common Plantain requires abundant, bright, and direct light to thrive. The best placement for this plant is within one foot of a window to ensure it receives enough light. If you live in an area with more extreme weather, such as hot summers or cold winters, you may need to adjust the placement of the plant accordingly. During hot summer months, it is important to place the plant away from full sun, as this can cause the leaves to yellow or burn. During cold winter months, it is best to move the plant closer to the window to take advantage of the extra light that can help it survive. By keeping an eye on the current weather in your area, you can make sure your Broadleaf Plantain is always in the right place to thrive.

Toxicity

There is no verified data on the toxicity of this plant in the records of Ploi. If any person, including yourself, a family member, or a pet, consume plant material with an uncertain toxicity level, it is advisable to seek the advice of a healthcare expert.

Fertilizer

Repotting the Common Plantain should be done either when it has doubled in size or on a yearly basis, whichever occurs sooner. Fresh potting soil with all the required nutrients, refreshed annually, will provide the plant with all the necessary sustenance, making the use of fertilizer unnecessary. Keep in mind that plants receive their energy from the sun, not fertilizer.

Growth-pattern

Clumping is a defining characteristic of the Common Plantain, with new growth appearing from the soil surrounding the primary plant.

Region of origin

Common Plantain’s native range is Most of Europe, including Britain, to northern and central Asia.


More info:
Wikipedia