Common plantain - Plantago major (Care, Characteristics, Invasive, Images, Toxic)

Common plantain

Also known as: Broadleaf plantain, Snakeroot

While native to Europe, the common plantain was one of the first plants to reach North America through early European explorers. Native Americans have referred to Plantago major as 'white man's footprint', as it disrupted many local ecosystems by its introduction.

Scientific classification

Species

Common plantain (Plantago major)

Mints plantains olives and allies

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Toxic to Humans

Toxicity

Weeds

Weed or not

Perennial

Lifespan

Herb

Plant Type

Mid spring, Late spring, Summer, Early fall, Mid fall

Bloom Time

Fall

Harvest Time

10 cm to 50 cm

Plant Height

10 cm

Spread

Green

Leaf Color

2.5 cm

Flower Size

Brown, Copper

Fruit Color

5 - 35 ℃

Ideal Temperature

Spring, Summer

Growth Season

Moderate

Growth Rate

Images of Common plantain

Distribution of Common plantain

Distribution Map

Common plantain is hugely widespread, native across Eurasia, North Africa, and southern Africa and introduced almost everywhere else except Australia and the polar regions. It grows in disturbed and compacted soils along roadsides and in fields and lawns. It is listed as a troublesome weed in some eastern US states.

Native

Cultivated

Invasive

Introduced

No species reported

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Habitat

Lawns

Hemisphere Trend Curve

Northern

Sorthern

Culture

Garden Use

Common plantain is viewed as a common yard weed, but is still cultivated as a garden ornamental in prairie gardens and wildlife gardens. This plant also thrives in grasslands and butterfly gardens, where they serve as food plants for larvae of moths and butterflies.

Symbolism

Strength, healing, protection

Interesting Facts

The Brahman Yogis called the common plantain the Apple of Paradise and wrap all their food in common plantain leaves. The leaves are used for wrap when they're dry, but never when they're fresh and green. This group of people believe the green leaves have souls in them, and using them for this purpose would be a sin.

Name Story

Common plantain||Broadleaf plantain: Plantain comes from the Old French plantain, and it is derived from latin word, plantāginem. The root of the word plantāginem is actually "planta" meaning "dark sole and feet", and it is referring to the flat leaves. Also, it is the most common plant in its genus, it is called common plantain. Sometimes when the leaves appear to be broadly looking, it is then literally called broadleaf plantain.

White man's foot: White Man's Foot is an amazing medicinal plant that is native to Asia and Europe. It received its nickname White Man's Foot because it was brought to North America by European Settlers. This could be found along the trails of these new settlers.

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Toxicity

Common plantain ingestion can cause diarrhea, low blood pressure, vomiting, bloating, hyper-sensitivity, anorexia, and in extreme cases, fatal anaphylaxis. Direct contact with common plantain may result in dermatitis. Avoid this plant if you have abdominal discomfort or intestinal obstruction.

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Weed Control

Unrelated to the plantain-type banana, common plantain is a flowering plant that has been naturalized in most parts of the world and is invasive in Cuba. A single plant can produce up to 14,000 seeds a year and can easily self-pollinate. It typically grows in grasslands and pastures and is highly resistant to trampling and cutting, making it a threat to nearby croplands. Being a dense turfgrass, the common plantain can quickly crowd out other plants and disrupt landscaping. It is notably difficult to remove and colonizes any compact space it can find. Some have also reported skin inflammation from contact with this plant.

How to Control It

The best season to manage common plantain is during the spring, before it flowers and sets seeds. Controlling it at this stage prevents the spread of the plant.

Hand-pulling: Grasp common plantain at the base and pull gently to remove the roots from the soil. Wet the soil first to make pulling easier.
Mulching: Cover the ground around desired plants with a layer of organic material to suppress common plantain growth.
Mowing: Regularly cut the area with a lawnmower to prevent common plantain from flowering and seeding.
Boiling water: Pour directly over common plantain to kill it without harming the soil.
Plant competition: Grow competitive plants that will overshadow common plantain and inhibit its growth through natural competition for resources.

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Quickly Identify Common plantain

Rosette of broad, ovate leaves close to the ground.

Small, greenish flowers on a tall spike.

Dry egg-shaped capsule splitting to reveal glossy seeds.

Leaves with parallel stringy veins and ribbed texture.

Under 12-inch erect unbranched stem with cluster of flowers.

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Care Guide for Common plantain

Every week

Water

Full sun

Sunlight

5 - 35 ℃

Ideal Temperature

Water: Originating from temperate climates, common plantain thrives in moderately moist, well-drained soil. It prefers consistent moisture, tolerating moderate drought. Weekly watering maintains hydration. As an herbaceous perennial, it adapts well to varying moisture levels, making it suitable for diverse garden climates.

Fertilize: For optimal growth, common plantain needs balanced fertilizers bi-monthly during the growing season. Seasonal adjustments should reduce applications in winter. Monitor soil moisture for nutrient uptake. Use gloves when handling to avoid skin irritation. Proper care promotes robust development and pest resistance.

Pruning: Prune common plantain in early spring to enhance growth and appearance. Remove spent flowers and damaged leaves while thinning overcrowded areas for better air circulation. This seasonal maintenance rejuvenates common plantain, ensuring a healthy, lush plant and improving garden aesthetics throughout the growing season.

Propagation: Common plantain is ideally propagated through division in Spring or Autumn. This straightforward method yields success when new growth appears, and proper root separation is essential for optimal results.

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Images of Common plantain

Distribution of Common plantain

Culture

Toxicity

Weed Control

Quickly Identify Common plantain

Care Guide for Common plantain

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