Plantago maritima aka Sea Plantain

Plantago maritima is also known as sea plantain. It belongs to the Plantaginaceae family. It is native to Britain and Ireland. In Europe, it grows from Scandinavia to Spain, Hungary and Russia. Plants For A Future also lists it across temperate Asia. Its range includes parts of North and South America. It grows in short grass on salt marshes near the sea. It also grows by mountain streams, in wet or salty ground.

This perennial lives for more than one year. It grows about 0.7 feet (0.2 metres) tall. Its spread is also about 0.7 feet (0.2 metres). This small size suits the garden beds listed for it. It blooms from June to August. Each flower has both male and female organs. Wind moves the pollen. The plant can also use its own pollen to set seed. Seeds ripen from August to September, after the blooms end. The supplied species evidence gives no more flower or fruit details.

Grow sea plantain in full sun, not shade. It needs moist soil that drains well. It accepts sand, loam and clay with moderate fertility. Soil can be mildly acid, neutral or mildly alkaline. It can cope with salty soil and exposed sites by the coast. These traits make it a choice for moist seaside beds. Plants For A Future lists USDA hardiness zones 5–9. It also states that the plant resists frost. Its reported risk of becoming a weed is low.

Young leaves can go into salads or cooked dishes. They have less fibre than other plantains. In Alaska, people keep the leaves for later use by canning them. People can eat the seeds raw or cooked. Ground seeds can make flour go further. Yet their small size makes them slow to gather. Plants For A Future reports no known hazards for this species. This does not prove it is safe for every person or pet.

Several kinds of butterfly caterpillars also feed on the plant. This adds to its value as a source of edible leaves and seeds. Sow seed in a cold frame in spring. Move seedlings to separate pots when large enough to handle. Plant them outside in early summer. You can also sow straight outdoors in mid-to-late spring. The supplied evidence names no specific pests or diseases.