British Columbia Outdoor Wilderness Guide |
- Common
Plantain
(Plantago major)
a.k.a. way-bread
Common
Plantain is a perennial with leafless stalks, which
can grow up to 30 cm. in height. Common Plantain
grows from fibrous roots.
- LEAVES:
- -
The leaves of the Common Plantain grow around
the base of the plant
- -
usually hairless
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broad and oval
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parallel veins are very prominent
- FLOWERS:
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green and very small
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found in a long spike at the top of the stalk
- FRUIT:
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capsules that contain many seeds
- HABITAT:
- -
Common Plantain is found in low to mid elevations
- -
Common Plantain appears in disturbed areas or
those with many weeds
- -
Common Plantain is very common in the southern
interior of BC
- -
Often found growing on lawns or the borders
or driveways
- FASCINATING
FACTS:
- -
ripe seed heads can be used for bird food.
- -
Common Plantain is often called 'soldier's herb'
because it has been used over the centuries
to treat wounds on the battle fields.
- -
as the Roman legions did when they marched across
continents, hikers today can place the leaves
in their boots to reduce the effects of blisters
and pain.
- -
Common Plantain leaves can be chewed and the
juices mixed with saliva to be spread on abrasions,
burns or bee stings.
- -
Plantain is a common ingredient in a poultice
or salve.
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