Permaculture Plants: Plantain

Plantain is a weed I would welcome.

Common Plantain (Plantago major)

http://www.wnmu.edu/academic/nspages/gilaflora/plantago_major.jpg

Common Name: Plantain

Scientific Name: Plantago species

Family: Plantaginaceae (the Plantain family)

Common Species:

• Psyllium (Plantago afra)
• Che Qian Zi (Plantago asiatica)
• Buck’s-Horn Plantain (Plantago coronopus)
• Ribwort/Buckhorn Plantain (Plantago lanceolata)
• Common/Broadleaf/Greater Plantain (Plantago major)
• Sea Plantain (Plantago maritima)
• Hoary Plantain (Plantago media)
• Blond Plantain (Plantago ovate)
• Fleawort (Plantago psyllium)

Sea Plantain (Plantago maritima) is considered one of the best tasting Plantains

http://www.racerocks.com/racerock/eco/taxalab/2005/plantagom/plantain.jpg

Description:

Plantain is considered a common lawn weed. However, it has been used for thousands of years as a medicinal plant (for inflammation, bleeding, and infections) as well as a potherb and salad green. It is also a great addition to the Forest Garden, as it attracts beneficial insects, is a dynamic mineral accumulator, is tolerant of drought, and is a great forage crop for animals.

Common Plantain (Plantago major)

http://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/d/d7/Illustration_Plantago_major0_clean.jpg

History:

Native to Europe and Asia, and used for thousands of years as a medicinal (primarily) and food (secondarily) plant. It has spread easily, typically with accidental introduction of seeds, and found new homes around the world. It is seen as a lawn weed in most "modern" cultures, but is still used by traditional, or tradionally-minded, people as food and medicine.

Trivia:

• Many of the Plantago species are used in the commercial preparation of dietary fiber supplements known as Psyllium.
• Plantain, while originally from Europe, was introduced to North America with European settlers, hence the name “white man’s foot.”

The fibrous stands in Plantain can be removed before eating.

http://www.botanicalgarden.ubc.ca/potd/plantago_major2.jpg

USING THIS PLANT

Primary Uses:

• Edible Leaves – decent taste, but most species are fibrous unless strands removed first (young leaves are most tender), often blanched to make more tender. Most often used as flavor/nutrition addition to mixed salads (reportedly the best eating are Buck’s-Horn and Sea Plantain)
• Edible Seeds – takes lots of time to harvest, but can be eaten raw or cooked or ground as flour addition. Considered a great fiber source.
• Medicinal Species – long history as anti-bleeding and anti-swelling

Secondary Uses:

• General insect (especially bees) nectar plant
• Maritime Species
• Pioneer Species
• Drought-Tolerant Species
• Wildlife food
• Feed plant for domestic animals – chickens will eat the seeds (let them harvest themselves!) and greens sparingly
• Dye Plant
• Tea Plant – dried or fresh leaves

Yield: Not applicable/No good information available

Harvesting: Anytime there are green leaves on the plant. Seeds are harvested Summer-Autumn

Storage: Use leaves fresh or dry immediately. Seeds are used fresh or dried immediately.

Platain flowers attract numerous beneficial insects

Common Plantain (Plantago major)

http://m.bonide.com/photos/broadleafplantain_large.jpg

DESIGNING WITH THIS PLANT

USDA Hardiness Zone: 2-15 (although some species are less cold tolerant)

AHS Heat Zone: 12-1

Chill Requirement: Unlikely, but no reliable information available

Plant Type: Herbaceous perennial

Leaf Type: Deciduous

Forest Garden Use: Herbaceous Layer

Cultivars/Varieties: Many species available. Some have been improved as ornamentals.

Pollination: Self-Pollinating/Self-Fertile

Flowering: May-September

Life Span:

No good information, but likely irrelevant as Plantago species reseed on their own so easily... just ask any lawn-Nazi!

Ribwort/Buckhorn Plantain (Plantago lanceolata) has longer thinner leaves than Common Plantain (Plantago major)

http://www.fytosan.com/images_liste/Plantago%20lanceolata%20TED.jpg

PHYSICAL CHARACTERISTICS OF THIS PLANT

Size: 4-24 inches (10-60 centimeters) tall and wide – depending on the species

Roots: Many species have fibrous roots, but some (Plantago lanceolata) have a taproot

Growth Rate: Fast

Plantain seed heads harvested and ready for further processing... or feed like this to chickens!

http://dianecluck.info/wp/wp-content/uploads/2012/07/plantago-seed-head-harvest-1024x865.jpg

GROWING CONDITIONS FOR THIS PLANT

Light: Prefers full sun

Shade: Does not tolerate much shade

Moisture: Medium to Wet soils

pH: can tolerate a wide range of soils

Special Considerations for Growing:

Plantago species are considered weeds because they can grow almost anywhere at anytime. This is a great problem to have, in my opinion; but neighbors with highly manicured lawns may not agree. Of course, I will never live that close to a neighbor again if I can help it!

Propagation: Typically by seed – direct sow in Spring. Can transplant “wild” specimens. Many locations already have their own populations; just encourage their growth.

Maintenance:

None

Concerns:

As with many "weed" species, Platain may cause an allergic reaction in some people (very few). Always try a new food in small amounts to see how you will react.

Another image of Common Plantain (Plantago major)

http://www.cod.edu/people/faculty/chenpe/PRAIRIE/2005_07_26/Plantago_major.jpg