Nova Scotia Fisheries and Aquaculture banner

Plantain, Broad-leaved Plantago major L.
Perennial
Reproducing by seed

Cotyledons
Oval to egg shape with blunt tips
Prominent veins

Roots
Fibrous taproot

Stem
Leafless

True Leaves
Basal rosette
Large, broad thick leaf stalks
Strongly ribbed

Flowers
Numerous, green, long spikes

Habitat
Cultivated fields, barnyards
Grows in adequate moisture

Note
Pollen may cause hayfevers
Narrow leaf plantain is similar
but has narrow leaves and a
shorter flower spike
Click on image to enlarge

Plantain, Broad-leaved 1

Plantain, Broad-leaved 2

Plantain, Broad-leaved 3

  Last Update: May 1, 2007