Shade plantain
Plantago debilis

Family: Plantaginaceae

What it is like

A herb which can grow each year from seed or keep growing from year to year. The leaves are hairy. The leaves are 3-15 cm long by 0.8-4 cm wide. They can have teeth along the edge. The flower heads are 4-10 cm long. They can become 30 cm long when fruiting.

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 and inland regions.

Countries/locations it is found in

Australia (country/location of origin), Hawaii, New Zealand, Norfolk Island, Tasmania (country/location of origin), USA

How it is used for food

The young leaves are cooked as a vegetable.

Edible parts

Leaves

How it is grown

Its other names

Local names

Synonyms

See Plantago alpestris; Plantago varia;