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Broadleaf Plantain (Plantago major): Ubiquitous Medicinal Weed

Overview

Broadleaf plantain (Plantago major), also called waybread or rat's tail, is a cosmopolitan perennial weed with a rosette of broad, ribbed leaves and inconspicuous flower spikes. Found in lawns, paths, and disturbed soils worldwide.

Botanical Details

Family:	Plantaginaceae
Genus:	Plantago (plan-TA-go)
Species:	major (MAY-jor)
Synonym:	Plantago asiatica
Synonym:	Plantago halophila
Synonym:	Plantago intermedia
Synonym:	Plantago major var. asiatica

Medicinal and Edible Uses

Leaves are edible young (bitter when older). Famous for soothing insect stings, cuts, and skin irritations (chew and apply). Seeds are psyllium, a soluble fiber. Rich in vitamins and minerals.

Herbs: Leatherleaf Fern (Rumohra adiantiformis): Glossy, Durable Fern for Floral Design and Gardens; White Rabbit's Foot Fern (Davallia tyermanii): Silvery Rhizomes and Fine Foliage; Bird's Foot Cliffbrake (Pellaea mucronata); American Beautyberry (Callicarpa americana): Native Shrub with Electric Purple Berries; Blue Porterweed (Stachytarpheta cayennensis): Butterfly Magnet with Blue Spikes; Horseradish (Armoracia rusticana): Pungent Root for Sauce and Medicine; Ribwort Plantain (Plantago lanceolata): Ubiquitous Weed with Medicinal Merit; Korean Mint (Agastache rugosa): Robust, Licorice-Scented Perennial for Tea and Pollinators; Giant Plantain (Plantago major 'Giant'): A Robust Herbal Groundcover; Plantain Weed Control: Identification & Management Strategies

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