Common Plantain Grass

(Plantago major)

Interesting Information About Plant: 

The Common Plantain Grass is found abundantly throughout Europe and North America. Native people used to call it “The Whiteman’s Foot” because it seemed to spring up wherever the white men went. Today, it is seen mainly as a weed, but it has been used for many medicinal purposes. It is said to have astringent properties, meaning it reduces inflammation of the skin. Because of this it has been used to treat minor skin irritations such as stings, bites, burns, and cuts. It was also believed to have properties that would help with internal hemorrhaging, although there is no real scientific proof to support this. Plantain Grass is said to also to reverse the effects of snake venom, particularly rattle snakes. There is also a diuretic effect that comes from ingesting Plantain Grass.

Common Name: Common Plantain Grass

Scientific Name: Plantago major

Family Name (Scientific and Common): Plantaginaceae,  Plantain Family

Continent of Origin: Europe

Most Distinguishing Morphological Features of This Plant: Long leaves with tight spiral arrangement low to the ground. It has prominent veins.

Plant Growth Habit: Ground Cover 

Height at Maturity: Less than 1 foot  

Life Span: Perennial

Seasonal Habit: Evergreen Perennial

Growth Habitat: Full Sun  /  Partial Sun   /   Shade

Manner of Culture: Weed

Thorns on Younger Stem? No

Cross Section of Younger Stem: Roundish      

Stem (or Trunk) Diameter: Less Than The Diameter of a Pencil

Produces Brownish Bark? No

Bark Peeling in Many Areas? No

Characteristics of Mature (Brownish) Bark: No Mature Bark (all green)

Type of Leaf: Flat, Thin Leaf  

Length of Leaf (or Leaflet): Between the Length of a Credit Card and a Writing-Pen  

Leaf Complexity: Simple 

Shape of Leaf: Simple 

Edge of Leaf: Serrated

Leaf Arrangement: Alternate   

Leaf has Petiole? Yes 

Patterns of Main-Veins: Parallel  

Leaf Hairiness: No Hairs

Color of Foliage in Summer: Green 

Change in Color of Foliage in October: No Change    

Flowering Season: Summer

Flowers: in Loose Group 

Type of Flower: Like a Grass Flower 

Color of Flower: Green / Purple-Violet 

Shape of Individual Flower: Other

Size of Individual Flower: Smaller than a Quarter  

Sexuality: Male and Female on Same Plant

Size of Fruit: Smaller than a Quarter 

Fruit Fleshiness at Maturity: Dry

Shape of Fruit: Oblong-Oval   

Color of Fruit at Maturity: Brown or Dry

Fruit Desirable to Birds or Squirrels?  Yes      

Is the Plant Poisonous: None of Plant

Pesty Plant (weedy, hard to control)? Yes  

Common Name(s): Plantain, Plantain Grass

Page prepared by:

Emma Raver

December 5, 2006