Common plantain
Prepared by Jennifer L. D’Appollonio, Assistant Scientist, University of Maine, Orono, ME 04469. Updated February 2018.
Scientific name: Plantago major L.
Common name(s): common plantain, broadleaf plantain, great plantain, greater plantain
Link(s): USDA PLANTS Profile, Go Botany
Images: (to see enlargements [PC]: click on image, then right click and choose “view image”)
-
- end of May
-
- flower spikes, August
Description:
-perennial
-leaves are
- basal
- broad ovate
- 3-9 prominent veins
-may be confused with P. media or P. rugelli; see left sidebar of Go Botany webpage
Habitat:
-disturbed areas
-artificial habitats
-meadows
-fields
Natural History:
-Native to Europe
-uses for herbal medicine
- constipation
- coughs
- wounds
Sources:
Najafian, Y., Hamedi, S. S., Farshchi, M. K., & Feyzabadi, Z. (2018). Plantago major in traditional persian medicine and modern phytotherapy: A narrative review. Electronic Physician, 10(2), 6390-6399. doi:10.19082/6390
Go Botany. “Plantago Major L.” Plantago Major (Common Plantain): Go Botany, 2021, gobotany.nativeplanttrust.org/species/plantago/major/.