Plantago oliganthus
Roem. & Schult.
gbif· cc-by-nc
alexfamilyteam
gbif· cc-by-nc
alexfamilyteam
gbif· cc-by-nc
alexfamilyteam
Summary
Source: WikipediaA perennial herb growing to 20cm tall. Wind-pollinated and self-fertile hermaphrodite. Tolerates light, medium, or heavy well-drained soils across mildly acidic to basic pH ranges, including saline conditions. Prefers moist soil and full sun; tolerates maritime exposure.
Description
A perennial herb growing to 20cm tall. Wind-pollinated and self-fertile hermaphrodite. Tolerates light, medium, or heavy well-drained soils across mildly acidic to basic pH ranges, including saline conditions. Prefers moist soil and full sun; tolerates maritime exposure.
Edible Uses
Young leaves can be eaten raw or cooked.
Medicinal Uses
The seeds contain up to 30% mucilage, which swells in the gut and acts as a bulk laxative while soothing irritated membranes. The seed husks alone are sometimes used in place of the whole seeds.
Distribution
It is a temperate plant.
Where It Grows
Canada, North America, USA,
Cultivation
We have very little information on this species and do not know if it will be hardy in Britain, though judging by its native habitat it should succeed outdoors in most parts of the country. The following notes are based on the general needs of the genus. Succeeds in any moderately fertile soil in a sunny position.
Propagation
Sow seed in spring in a cold frame. Once seedlings are large enough to handle, prick them out into individual pots and plant out in early summer. If seed is plentiful, a direct outdoor sowing can be made in situ from mid to late spring.
Other Uses
None known.
Notes
The plantains or Plantaginaceae are mostly in temperate regions. There are about 165 Plantago species.
References (1)
- Plants for a Future database, The Field, Penpol, Lostwithiel, Cornwall, PL22 0NG, UK. http://www.scs.leeds.ac.uk/pfaf/
