Plantago major
Plant Details
Plant Properties
Growth conditions
Moist
Sand (light) Loam (medium) Clay (heavy)
Acid Neutral Basic
Sun
Usage properties
Leaves, Root, Seed, Tea
Bee plant
Description
Young leaves can be eaten both raw and cooked, but due to their bitterness and fibrous strands, they must be carefully prepared. It is recommended to blanch the leaves in boiling water before adding them to salads, as this improves the texture. The petiole contains more fiber than the leaf and is therefore usually not eaten. The dried leaves can be used to make tea. An alternative Chinese variant of this plant is easier to eat. Seeds can be eaten both raw and cooked and are very nutritious due to their high vitamin B1 content. Although harvesting the seeds can be challenging, they can be ground into flour and mixed with other flour, or cooked and used as sago. There is less known about the edibility of the root of this plant.
Harvest Data
Guilds
Guild Information
Click on a plant in the diagram for more information.
Guild Details
| Guild | Description |
|---|---|
|
Oxalis tuberosa Oca |
This combination can help improve soil structure and fertility while providing shade for Plantago major. |
|
Duchesnea indica Mock Strawberry |
Lobularia maritima attracts beneficial insects, promoting pollination for Plantago major. |
|
Ribes rubrum 'Pink Champagne' Red Currant |
Ribes rubrum provides a habitat for beneficial predatory insects that help keep pests away from Plantago major. |
|
Rosa rubiginosa Sweet Briar, Sweetbriar rose |
The presence of Rosa rubiginosa can help deter pests while improving biodiversity in the area. |
|
Pimpinella anisum Aniseed |
Rhamnus frangula can improve soil nutrient levels and provide additional habitat for wildlife. |