SafePlants

No images found for this plant ID: 21299.

Ensure images are uploaded to the Media Library and tagged with "21299" in the "plant_image_tag" taxonomy.

Safe for Children?

✅ Safe: 0
❓ Neutral: 0
❌ Unsafe: 0

Safe for Dogs?

✅ Safe: 0
❓ Neutral: 0
❌ Unsafe: 0

Safe for Cats?

✅ Safe: 0
❓ Neutral: 0
❌ Unsafe: 0

Safe for Reptiles?

✅ Safe: 0
❓ Neutral: 0
❌ Unsafe: 0

wild plantain

Scientific Name: Heliconia irrasa

Family: Heliconiaceae

Category: Monocot

Growth:

Duration:

Other Names:

       

Broadleaf Plantain: A Hardy Wild Edible

Broadleaf Plantain, often simply called Plantain, is a common and versatile plant found in many urban and wild environments. It's recognized not only for its resilience as a "weed" but also for its nutritional and medicinal properties.

Considerations for Pets

  • Plantain is a common plant found in lawns and gardens, potentially accessible to pets.
  • The plant's leaves have thick veins that extend down the stem.

Considerations for Children

  • Plantain is a common plant found in lawns and gardens, potentially accessible to children.
  • The plant's leaves have thick veins that extend down the stem.

Scientific Name and Common Names

  • Scientific Name: Plantago major
  • Common Names: Broadleaf Plantain, Common Plantain, Greater Plantago

Taxonomy and Nomenclature

  • Family: Plantaginaceae (Plantain Family)
  • Genus: Plantago
  • Synonyms: The text also mentions Plantago rugelii (Rugel's Plantain) and Plantago lanceolata (Ribwort Plantain) as related species.
  • Note: The text indicates Foxglove was formerly allocated to the Scrophulariaceae family and now considered part of the Plantain family.

Distribution and Habitat

  • Plantain originated in Europe but has naturalized throughout the U.S.
  • It is described as ubiquitous and commonly found in lawns, driveways, and urban environments.
  • The plant is also noted as growing in Pennsylvania and found from Colorado to other unspecified locations. Conversely, it is not as commonly found in Utah.
  • The text specifically mentions Plantago serraria, or Toothed Plantain, existing in Malta.

Ecological Role

  • Plantain is often considered a weed, indicating its ability to thrive and spread in various environments.
  • Ribwort plantain is highlighted as a good choice for those looking to attract wildlife, but that it can become a bit of a nuisance to gardeners.

Morphological Characteristics

  • Plantain is a low-growing green plant.
  • It is described as a hairless perennial.
  • The Broadleaf Plantain is larger than other members of the Plantain family.
  • Leaves have thick veins that continue down the stem.
  • The plant has greenish-yellow flowers (3 mm).
  • Plantain rosettes can range from almost unnoticeable to quite large.

Interactions with Other Organisms

  • Ribwort plantain is known for attracting wildlife.

Edibility and Uses

  • Plantain is a wild edible plant, with young, tender leaves that can be eaten raw in salads or cooked.
  • It is high in calcium and vitamins A, C, and K.
  • The flower/seed stalk can also be cooked and eaten.
  • Plantain can be sautéed in butter with salt, pepper, and garlic as a side dish.
  • It is also used medicinally and can be made into a healing salve.

Further Information

  • Wild Food Lab (mentioned in the context of Pinterest)
  • www.FoodUnderFoot.com
  • Emorsgate Seeds (growers of British wildflower and wild grass seeds)
  • MaltaWildPlants.com (online database of wild plants)
  • Books by Nyerges: "Enter the Forest," "Urban Wilderness," "Guide to Wild Foods"
  • Merriwether's Guide to Edible Wild Plants of Texas and the Southwest