BROADLEAF PLANTAIN - PLANT
Plantago major
READY IN APRIL
Potted plant
Traditionally used topically (crushed as a poultice/bandage) for skin issues like insect stings (personal experience, find it incredibly effective whenever a wasp zaps me).
Also, the fresh, tender new growth is excellent in a Spring tonic salad. Older leaves can be boiled for soups/stews. Seeds are also edible, in limited amounts.
Can be incorporated into your garden beds or landscaping scheme.
Likes hard-compacted soils the best. Will grow in sun or partial shade. Here, this Broadleaf is found in the shadier, damper locations, more east side of trees and buildings. The Narrowleaf species is out in the front paddock thriving happily in the full sun, slightly drier conditions. They each have their own zones here.
Comes back yearly, let it go to seed to expand your crop. Not an aggressive grower per se, -more that it ‘colonizes’ its little patch where it’s happy to make a home.
Not actually native to North America (comes from Europe/Asia), but a highly-valuable herb/food/plant to have. I wouldn’t be without it.
Perennial
*Narrowleaf Plantain also available
Organically-grown
LOCAL sales only; please see notes regarding meet-up/delivery options