Useful Nova Scotia Plants

Plants

Plantain

Common name

Plantain

Latin name

Plantago major

Characters

Perennials, the leaves are borne in a basal rosette. They are elliptical, arising from a fleshy petiole and strongly marked with veins. The single flower stem arises from the centre of the leaves, with the tiny green flowers borne at the top.

Habit

Herb

Edible Portion

Seeds and leaves

Habitat

Dooryards, roadsides, compacted soils and waste ground

Geography

Throughout

Used For

While the entire plant is edible, the seeds and leaves require some work to preparing them owing to the bitter taste. Young leaves may be blanched prior to adding to salad, or steamed and frozen, to be added to smoothies or stir-fries later. Seeds may be ground into flour.
Photo: Martin Thomas