Sea plantain
Plantago maritima
Family: Plantaginaceae
What it is like
A low herb. It keeps growing from year to year. It has several rings of leaves. The leaves are thick and fleshy. They are narrow and rigid and do not have teeth. There are 3-5 veins. The flowers are brownish and 3 mm long. They are in long greenish spikes. These can be 3-7 cm long. The stalks do not have ridges.
The plantains or Plantaginaceae are mostly in temperate regions. There are about 165 Plantago species.
Where it is found
It is a temperate plant. It grows in coastal habitats on salt marshes and sandy places. In Argentina it grows below 500 m above sea level.
Countries/locations it is found in
Africa, Alaska, Arctic, Argentina, Britain, Canada, Chile, Europe, Falklands, France, Greece, Ireland, Italy, Mediterranean, North Africa, North America, Norway, Portugal, Scandinavia, South America (country/location of origin), Spain, Sweden, Turkey, Türkiye, USA
How it is used for food
The leaves are boiled in soup. They are also eaten in salads. They are also pickled. The seeds can be eaten raw or cooked and can be ground into flour.
In Alaska it is canned for winter use. It is foraged and eaten in restaurants in Sweden.
Edible parts
Leaves, seeds
How it is grown
Its other names
Local names
Goose tongue, Strandkjempe