Plantago lanceolata 

 

Plant Family:  Plantaginaceae

 

Description: The plant is a rosette-forming perennial herb, with leafless, silky, hairy flower stems (3.9–15.7 in). The basal leaves are lanceolate spreading or erect, scarcely toothed with 3-5 strong parallel veins narrowed to short petiole. Grouping leaf stalk deeply furrowed, ending in an oblong inflorescence of many small flowers each with a pointed bract. Each flower can produce up to two seeds. Flowers 4 mm (calyx green, corolla brownish), 4 bent back lobes with brown midribs, long white stamens.

 

Natural Habitat: Found in British Isles, scarce on acidic soils (pH < 4.5). It is considered an invasive weed in North America. It is present and widespread in the Americas and Australia as an introduced species. 

 

 

 Cultural uses: the beverage that is made from this plant is deemed as a highly effective cough medicine. The plant is helpful for curing inflammation of the eyes and intestinal worms. The green leaves are plastered externally on affected areas as a treatment for foot sores and insect bites.