Buck's-horn plantain, Star-of-the-earth, Crowfoot plantain
Plantago coronopus
Family: Plantaginaceae
What it is like
A low hairy herb. It has a long tap root. It usually grows over 2 years. The leaves grow from the base and spread out. The leaves are highly divided. They are in a ring around the stem. The leaves are green but can turn red with age. The leaves vary in size and shape but are often 4-10 cm long. The flowers are small and occur in large numbers. They form a dense narrow spike. This is 1-8 cm long. It is in a long hairy stalk.
The plantains or Plantaginaceae are mostly in temperate regions. There are about 165 Plantago species.
Where it is found
A temperate plant. A common seaside plant. It grows in salt marshes. It grows amongst rocks above the high water mark on shorelines. It also grows on inland salty soils. It suits hardiness zones 6-10. Tasmania Herbarium.
Countries/locations it is found in
Africa, Albania, Australia, Bahrain, Balkans, Bosnia, Britain, Central Asia, Croatia, Europe, Falklands, France, Greece, Italy, Luxembourg, Mediterranean, Middle East, New Zealand, North Africa, North America, Pakistan, Scandinavia, Sicily, Slovenia, Spain, Tajikistan, Tasmania, Turkey, Türkiye
How it is used for food
The very young shoots are used in tossed salads. They are blanched for a few seconds in boiling water. They are also used in stews.
It is a commercially cultivated vegetable. It is sold in local markets.
Edible parts
Leaves, shoots, vegetable
How it is grown
Plants self seed if allowed. Young leaves are normally blanched for a few seconds in boiling water before using.
It needs to be picked while young when there is a ring of young leaves but no flower.
Its other names
Local names
Bogaotu, Buckshorn Plantain, Capuchin's beard, Cornopiu, Cua de rata, Deljenolistni trpotec, Erva di stidda, Herba estreta, Herba Stella, Lingua te cane, Minuta, Minutina, Muixana, Rampetes, Rebla, Vranina noga, Wedaina