Useful Nova Scotia Plants

Plants

Goose Tongue; Seaside Plantain

Common name

Goose Tongue; Seaside Plantain

Latin name

Plantago maritima

Characters

Leaves are succulent and grooved, linear in outline and arising from the base of the plant, usually involute (rolled inward toward the centre on the upper surface). Stem is fibrous, topped by a short inflorescence.

Habit

Herb

Edible Portion

Leaves

Habitat

Seashores, amongst rocks or in saltmarshes and on dykelands

Geography

Common around the coast

Used For

Boiled greens

Recipe

Lightly steam or boil and serve with butter; no salt needed. Also good with a dash of balsamic vinegar.

Notes

Pinch the leaves or cut them leaving the plant in place to continue growing.
Photo: Martin Thomas