Buck's-Horn Plantain

Plantago coronopus

Physical Characteristics

Plantago coronopus is a ANNUAL/PERENNIAL growing to 0.3 m (1ft) by 0.3 m (1ft in). See above for USDA hardiness. It is hardy to UK zone 6 and is not frost tender. It is in flower from May to July, and the seeds ripen from July to August. The species is hermaphrodite (has both male and female organs) and is pollinated by Wind. The plant is self-fertile. It is noted for attracting wildlife. Suitable for: light (sandy) and medium (loamy) soils and prefers well-drained soil. Suitable pH: mildly acid, neutral and basic (mildly alkaline) soils. It cannot grow in the shade. It prefers dry or moist soil. The plant can tolerate maritime exposure.

Distribution

Coasts of west and south Europe, including Britain, south and east from Sweden to N. Africa, W. Asia

Habitats

Cultivated Beds;

Edible Uses

Edible Parts: Leaves Edible Uses: Young leaves - raw or cooked[2, 13, 132, 183]. High yielding[27]. One of the nicer tasting members of this genus, the leaves are fairly tender and have a slight bitterness[K]. Some people blanch the leaves in boiling water for a few seconds before using them in salads in order to make them more tender[183]. This leaf is one of the ingredients of 'misticanze', a salad mixture of wild and cultivated leaves that originated in the Marche region of Italy[183].

Medicinal Uses

Antiperiodic Laxative Ophthalmic The leaves are antiperiodic and ophthalmic. They are used as a remedy for ague and sore eyes[4]. Plantain seeds contain up to 30% mucilage which swells up in the gut, acting as a bulk laxative and soothing irritated membranes[238]. Sometimes the seed husks are used without the seeds[238].

Known Hazards

None known