Scientific name: Plantago major L.

Common name: Greater plantain

Family: Plantaginaceae

Origin:

Native of Europe and northern and Central Asia.

Habit:

A short-lived perennial herb forming a rosette of leaves with erect flower spikes.

Habitat:

Weed of tended areas usually in moist or fertile soils.

General description:

Stems and leaves

Plants develop a tufted rosette of broad leaves 3.5-28 × 2-13 cm. The base of the leaf blade contracts abruptly into the petiole (leaf stalk) 1.5-33 cm long, the leaf tip comes to a point. The margin of the leaf can be slightly scalloped, lobed or undulating.

Flowers and fruit

Small flowers are clustered into compact cylindrical spikes which can be 7.5-45 cm long. The inflorescences are carried at the top of upright stalks 15-45 cm long. Fruits are egg-shaped capsules 3-4 mm long containing 8-16 seeds. Flowering occurs mainly over spring and summer.

Distinguishing characteristics:

Herb with broad leaves forming a tuft, cylindrical inflorescences are carried on top of upright stalks. Prefers moist or fertile soils.

Noxious status:

Not noxious.

Sources:

Kleinschmidt, H.E., Holland, A. and Simpson, P. (1996). Suburban Weeds. 3rd Edition. Department of Primary Industries, Brisbane.

Stanley, T.E. and Ross, E.M. (1983-1989). Flora of South-eastern Queensland. Volume 2. Department of Primary Industries, Brisbane.

Auld, B.A. and Medd, R.W. (1996). Weeds: An Illustrated Botanical Guide to Weeds of Australia. Inkata Press, Sydney.