plantains
ExplorePlants
plantains
Plantago
Plantains are leafy plants that grow close to the ground. They have long, narrow leaves and can be found in many places, making them easy to spot!
Habitat: Grasslands
Appearance
The plantains has a basal rosette of broad, oval leaves with prominent parallel veins. Its tiny, greenish-brown flowers grow densely on a slender, upright spike, rising from the center of the leaf cluster, often appearing inconspicuous.
KingdomPlantaePhylumTracheophytaClassMagnoliopsidaOrderLamialesFamilyPlantaginaceaeGenusPlantago
Category
PlantsRarity
Common
Danger
1/5 · Very low
Snaps
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Interesting facts
Crushed plantain leaves can soothe insect bites and minor skin irritations.
Its leaves are edible and taste a bit like spinach, often used in salads or cooked.
Many small birds, like finches, love to eat the tiny, nutritious seeds of plantains.
Some plantain species are known as 'white man's foot' because they followed European settlers.
Special abilities
Ability
Tough Traveler
Plantains can grow in compacted soil because their resilient roots and broad leaves help them survive being stepped on, making them common roadside plants.
Ability
Wound Healer
Plantains has special compounds that can help stop bleeding and reduce swelling, which helps it defend against damage from pests or animals.
Ability
Seed Launcher
When wet, plantain seeds become sticky, allowing them to cling to animals or shoes and be carried far away, helping them spread widely.
Measurements & details
- Height
- 5-50 cm
- Spread
- 10-30 cm
- Flower Size
- 0.1-0.5 cm
- Bloom Season
- Spring-fall
- Edible
- Yes
- Toxicity
- None
- Lifecycle
- Perennial
- Pollination Method
- Wind
Ecological connections
eaten by
American Goldfinch
Spinus tristis
Eats nutritious seeds.
eaten by
European Rabbit
Oryctolagus cuniculus
Browses on leaves.
eaten by
Plantain Flea Beetle
Sphaeroderma testaceum
Feeds on leaves.
Traits
Flowering
Flowering plants are any plants that produce flowers as part of their reproductive cycle.
Medicinal
Medicinal plants possess chemical compounds that can be used for therapeutic purposes to treat illnesses or maintain health.
Drought Tolerant
Drought-tolerant plants can survive and flourish in conditions with limited water availability.
Agricultural
This human use trait describes species cultivated or domesticated by humans for agricultural purposes, including crops and livestock.
Edible
Edible plants are those parts of a plant that are considered safe for human consumption.
Grassland
Grassland habitats are terrestrial biomes dominated by grasses and herbaceous plants, supporting a variety of grazing animals.
Rapid Growing
Rapid growing plants exhibit accelerated growth rates, quickly increasing in size and biomass within a short period.
Also known as
No aliases listed yet.
Collections
Safety
Danger
1/5 · Very low
Always wash your hands after touching plants, just to be safe!
Frequently Asked Questions
How tall is plantains?
5-50 cm
How wide does plantains spread?
10-30 cm
How big are the flowers on plantains?
0.1-0.5 cm
When does plantains bloom?
Spring-fall
Is plantains edible?
Yes
Is plantains toxic?
None
What is plantains's lifecycle?
Perennial
How is plantains pollinated?
Wind
Snap Map
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