Dealing with Weeds: Plantain Weed

05.09.2024 - 16:50 / gardenersworld.com

Greater or broadleaf plantain (Plantago major) is a small perennial plant that grows prolifically in gardens, and is often classed as a weed. You’ll find it in borders, paths and lawns, where its leaves form a rosette from which 30cm tall flower spikes emerge in summer.

Greater plantain has benefits for wildlife, particularly seed-eating birds, so it can be left to grow in wild gardens or meadows. It’s extremely resistant to foot traffic and grows even in high-wear areas of grass and paths. This attribute gave rise to one of its common names, ‘English-man’s foot’, because it arrived in North America with the settlers and spread along their tracks.

Greater plantain has been used as a medicinal herb for many hundreds of years as the leaves contain chemicals used for treating bruises and wounds. If you are stung by nettles, greater plantain leaves may be crushed and rubbed on the stings to relieve itching.

Greater plantain forms rosettes of oval, mid- to dark green leaves that reach between 20-50cm in height, depending on site and soil. Flowers are borne on 30cm tall upright leafless stems, and vary in colour from purple-brown to straw-coloured, depending on age. The tiny flowers are clustered along the stem and give rise to the common name of ‘rat’s tail’. Leaves may be semi-evergreen, particularly in mild winters.

Greater plantain may be confused with ribwort plantain (Plantago lanceolata). Both plants are similar in habit but ribwort plantain flowers are borne in a cluster at the top of the stem, with white anthers, and the leaves form ribs that run parallel along the leaves. Ribwort plantain is a common sight in wildflower meadows, where it flourishes alongside meadow grasses.

Be aware that