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Ribwort Plantain - Plantago lanceolata

Plantago lanceolata
Ribwort plantain, Black Jack, Buckhorn, Cat's cradle, Chimney-sweeps, Cock grass, Cocks, Dog's ribs, English plantain, Headsman, Hen plant, Jack straws, Kemps seed, Klops, Knock-heads, Lamb's tail, Leechwort, Narrow-leaved plantain, Ram's tongue, Rat tail

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More information

A perennial plant that is medicinal, honey-rich, and edible. It forms rosettes of long, hairy, lanceolate and veined leaves, from which emerge flowering stems terminated by a spike of small yellow flowers. Its foliage is consumed in salads, and the entire plant is reputed to relieve coughs and insect bites. Plant in spring or early autumn, in sunny locations. It will grow in any soil, even if clayey and chalky. It should be moist to dry in summer.
Ease of cultivation
Beginner
Height at maturity
30 cm
Spread at maturity
20 cm
Exposure
Sun
Soil moisture
Dry soil, Moist soil
Best planting time April to May
Recommended planting time March to June
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Flowering time April to October
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Harvest time April to October
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Description

Plantago lanceolata, also known as ribwort plantain, is known for its medicinal properties. It forms rosettes of long, hairy, lanceolate and veined leaves, from which emerge floral stems terminating in a spike of small, honey-rich flowers. The entire plant is edible, but the leaves are mainly consumed in salads, soups, or as an infusion. Ribwort plantain is renowned for its benefits to the respiratory system. When crushed, it is used to relieve insect bites. It is naturally found in soils that are quite poor in humus, with a tendency towards clay and a neutral to alkaline (limestone) pH. It self-seeds spontaneously in the garden, even in lawns.

 

It is a perennial plant of Eurasian origin. It belongs to the Plantaginaceae family. It is found in lawns, on compact or sandy terrain, fallow land, and cultivated fields. This perennial displays a tufted habit, composed of narrow leaves marked by deep parallel veins, topped by upright floral stems. Depending on the soil type and sunlight, the plant reaches a height of 20 to 50cm (8 to 20in) when flowering. The tiny flowers are gathered in a cylindrical spike at the end of the floral stems. They are popular with bees. Flowering takes place from April to October, depending on the climate.

In the garden, this herb is cultivated for its tender young leaves, which are consumed raw in salads or cooked like spinach. It can also be used to treat minor injuries like insect bites, as it has emollient and astringent properties.

Harvesting: harvest the young leaves throughout the year, as needed.

Storage: the leaves should be consumed immediately after harvesting.

Gardener's tip: it thrives in uncompacted soil.

Tortoises love ribwort plantain. 

 

Harvest

Harvest time April to October
Type of vegetable Leaf vegetable
Vegetable colour green
Size of vegetable Small
Interest Flavour, Nutritional value, Disease resistant
Use Table, Cooking

Plant habit

Height at maturity 30 cm
Spread at maturity 20 cm
Growth rate fast

Foliage

Foliage persistence Deciduous
Foliage colour dark green
Product reference173061

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Planting and care

It loves the sun and warmth. Plant it in a sunny location, starting from April, in well-tilled ordinary garden soil. It prefers clayey and calcareous soils, but adapts quite easily to any soil that is not too acidic. Once well-rooted, this plantain withstands summer drought well. Plant one every 30cm (12in) in all directions. It self-seeds spontaneously if the soil suits it. Cut the flower stalks if you want to prevent its spread.

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Cultivation

Best planting time April to May
Recommended planting time March to June

Care

Soil moisture Tolerant
Disease resistance Very good

Intended location

Type of use Border, Vegetable garden
Ease of cultivation Beginner
Soil Ordinary, well-prepared.
Exposure Sun
Soil pH Neutral, Calcareous
Soil type Chalky (poor, alkaline and well-drained), Clayey-chalky (heavy and alkaline), 130,187

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