Plantago lanceolata

Ribwort Plantain is a native plant known for its medicinal properties for a long time. It forms clumps of long lanceolate and veined leaves, from which emerge floral stems ending in a spike of small honey-yellow flowers. The entire plant is edible, but its leaves are mostly consumed in salads, soups, or as an infusion. Ribwort plantain is renowned for its benefits to the respiratory system. When crushed, it relieves insect bites. It is sown from May to September and its leaves are harvested all year round.

Ribwort Plantain (in Latin, Plantago lanceolata) is a perennial plant also known as Narrow-leaved Plantain or Five-vein Plantain. It is of Eurasian origin and belongs to the Plantaginaceae family. It is found in short grass meadows, on compact or sandy soils, fallow and cultivated fields, urban lawns. This perennial has a rosette habit, composed of narrow leaves marked by deep parallel veins, topped by upright floral stems. Depending on the soil and sunlight, the plant reaches a height of 20 to 50cm (8 to 20in) when flowering. The tiny flowers are clustered on a cylindrical spike at the end of the floral stems. They are highly visited by bees.  

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

Harvesting: young leaves can be harvested all year round, as needed.

Storage: leaves should be consumed immediately after harvesting.

Gardener's tip: like wick, Ribwort Plantain is sown in uncompacted soil. If you have land tortoises, know that Ribwort Plantain is part of the wild plants that make up their diet, just like dandelions, dandelion leaves, and other sow thistles.

Bio seeds come from plants grown organically and undergo no treatment after harvest. These seeds are compatible with organic farming.