Plantain

Plantago major (Broadleaf Plantain)

Plantago virginica (Virginia Plantain)

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Plantaginaceae

Native to: Virginia Plantain is native.  Broadleaf Plantain is Eurasian.

Florida abundance and distribution: Both occur throughout most of Florida in waste, disturbed, and compacted soils.

Recognition:  Both species form rosettes, with a narrow green flowering wand resembling a 4^th of July sparkler rising 4” to a foot.  Broadleaf Plantain has leaves 2”-9” long and over half as wide.  Each leaf has 5-9 easily visible parallel veins.  Virginia Plantain differs by having the leaves tapered somewhat to the base but not forming a petiole, and by having serrate (vs. entire) leaf margins.  There are additional Plantago species in Florida.

Other: Broadleaf Plantain has tender young leaves useful in salads. Plantago major has been used to heal wounds and is a blood coagulant.  Leaves were applied to battlefield wounds, accounting for the name “Soldiers Herb.”  The species has served further historically to give relief from snake and insect bites.

Contributed by: William Mullarkey