wildflower
Broadleaf plantain
Plantago major
Low riskEdibleabundant
The ‘bandaid plant’. Ribbed basal leaves and a rat-tail flower spike.
A rosette of oval leaves with parallel ribs you can pull like strings. Flower spike is skinny and dull.
- Habitat
- Compacted paths, yards, barn lots.
- Season
- May–October.
- Size
- 6–10 in
- Field marks
- Parallel leaf ribs; rat-tail spike
First aid
Chew or mash a clean leaf and tape on bee stings, nettle, small cuts. Astringent and soothing.
Use
Young leaves in pot greens. Seed heads as a flour stretcher.