ExplorePlants

greater plantain

Plantago major

Greater plantain is a leafy plant that grows close to the ground. Its big, broad leaves are great for making salads or using in herbal remedies. It’s often found in gardens and parks!

Habitat: Urban areas

Appearance

The greater plantain has broad, oval leaves with prominent parallel veins forming a basal rosette close to the ground. Its tiny, greenish-brown flowers are clustered tightly on a tall, slender spike, rising from the center of the plant.

KingdomPlantaePhylumTracheophytaClassMagnoliopsidaOrderLamialesFamilyPlantaginaceaeGenusPlantago
greater plantain
flowering trait badgemedicinal trait badgeedible trait badgepollinator_magnet trait badge
greater plantain

Category

Plants

Rarity

Common

Danger

1/5 · Very low

Snaps

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Interesting facts

Its tough leaf fibers were once used like thread for sewing small repairs!

Native Americans called it 'White Man's Footprint' due to its rapid spread!

One tiny plantain can produce thousands of seeds in a single year!

When wet, its seeds swell into a sticky jelly, helping them travel on shoes!

Special abilities

Ability

Trample Shield

Greater plantain can withstand being walked on because its tough, fibrous leaves and root system quickly bounce back.

Ability

Sticky Seeds

Greater plantain has tiny, mucilaginous seeds that stick to shoes and animal fur, helping it travel far and wide.

Ability

Nature's Band-Aid

Greater plantain has leaves that contain compounds which can help soothe minor skin irritations and insect bites.

Measurements & details

Height
10-40 cm
Spread
15-30 cm
Flower Size
0.1-0.2 cm
Bloom Season
Late Spring to Early Fall
Edible
Yes
Toxicity
None
Lifecycle
Perennial
Pollination Method
Wind

Ecological connections

eats

Human

Homo sapiens

Young leaves and seeds are consumed.

pollinates

Honey Bee

Apis mellifera

Bees visit its small flowers for pollen.

eaten by

Domestic Sheep

Ovis aries

Sheep graze on its nutritious leaves.

parasitizes

Southern Root-Knot Nematode

Meloidogyne incognita

Nematodes feed on plantain roots.

Traits

Also known as

No aliases listed yet.

Collections

Safety

Danger

1/5 · Very low

Always check with an adult before picking or eating any plants.

Frequently Asked Questions

How tall is greater plantain?

10-40 cm

How wide does greater plantain spread?

15-30 cm

How big are the flowers on greater plantain?

0.1-0.2 cm

When does greater plantain bloom?

Late Spring to Early Fall

Is greater plantain edible?

Yes

Is greater plantain toxic?

None

What is greater plantain's lifecycle?

Perennial

How is greater plantain pollinated?

Wind

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