What it lacks in attractiveness, the broad plantain makes up for in a variety of uses. The indestructible rosette plant scores with valuable ingredients and edible, young leaves. Anyone who only half-heartedly fights against the plant as a weed is usually fighting a losing battle. This profile introduces you to the robust Plantago major in more detail.
What kind of plant is broadleaf plantain?
The broadleaf plantain (Plantago major) is a herbaceous, perennial plant with a basal rosette of leaves, spoon-shaped leaves, strong taproots and yellowish-white flower spikes. It is robust and sturdy and is traditionally used as a medicinal and useful plant.
Systematics and appearance at a glance
It is as often revered as an effective medicinal plant as it is hated as a weed. Opinions differ when it comes to broad plantain. The following profile conveys outstanding attributes of the two-faced plant.
- Genus within the order of the mint family (Lamiales)
- Name of the species: Broad plantain (Plantago major)
- Herbaceous, perennial plant with basal rosette of leaves
- Palm-sized, spoon-shaped leaves
- Growth heights from 3 to 25 cm
- Strong taproots up to 80 cm deep
- Long, narrow, yellowish-white flower spikes from April/May to September/October
- Brown fruit capsules with up to 50 seeds
The outstanding feature is its robust resistance to all kinds of stress. The broad plantain is one of the sturdy indicator plants for frequently used paths and lawns.
Traditional medicinal and useful plant – This is what broad plantain contains
The plant sap of broad plantain contains valuable ingredients that have been used in folk medicine for generations. Consumed regularly as a tea, the plant supports smoking cessation and relieves toothaches, headaches or earaches. To do this, brew 2 tablespoons of the fresh leaves with half a liter of water and let it steep for a few minutes.
Plantago major is not only edible, but also rich in vitamins and minerals. The tender leaves in spring round off a fresh salad aromatically. The older leaves in summer are prepared into a very he althy vegetable, similar to sauerkraut. Traditionally, broad plantain is an ingredient for Maundy Thursday soup, which is prepared exclusively from weeds.
Tip
Experienced hikers know broadleaf plantain as a practical first aid plant. In the case of painful wasp stings, the plant provides immediate relief by chewing the leaves or grinding them with a stone and placing them on the sting site. If the hiking boots hurt, plantain leaves come to the painful area and the rest of the way is effortlessly managed.
