Hoary Plantain
Plantago media
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Hoary Plantain is a perennial flowering plant that is in the Plantaginaceae family. It is native to Europe and Asia but is also found growing in a wide range of habitats throughout the U.S. and Canada as well. It is also known as hoary fleawort. The plant has medicinal properties and can be used to assist in the treatment of respiratory and urinary tract infections, as well as for wound healing and minor skin irritations. it is also known for its astringent and anti-inflammatory properties. Hoary Plantain provides food and habitat for a wide range of insects, including bees, butterflies, and moths. The seeds of the plant are an important food source for many bird species.
Distinguishing Features
This plant has a rosette leaf formation of leaves with pronounced veins. The leaves are covered in fine hairs, which give them a silvery-grey appearance, hence the name hoary. The plant grows up to 30 cm tall and produces a tall, slender stem that carries a spike-like inflorescence. The inflorescence contains small, greenish-white flowers that bloom from June to August. At a glance, many people may think this is broadleaf plantain.
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Flowers
The flowers are very small and grow in clusters on spikes at the top of a stem, they have five white to pinkish petals. Flowers are radially symmetrical. Each flower has four petals, sepals, or tepal. The petals are fused into a cup or tube. It has four stamens. The flowers are pollinated by wind and produce small, dry seeds that are dispersed by wind and insects. This plant flowers anytime from April through to September depending on location.
Leaves
Leaves are simple, growing in a basal formation (only at the base of the plant). The leaf blade edges is entire (smooth). The upper surface is covered in fine hairs. They are lanceolate to oval shaped, and are greyish to silvery green. Each leaf has pronounced veins.
Height
Although the leaves typically grow flat, the flower stem can reach to 30cm (12') tall.
Habitat
This grows in grasslands, on lawns, in meadows, along roadsides, and in wastelands. Hoary Plantain is a hardy plant that can grow in a wide range of soil types and conditions. It is also drought-resistant.
Edible Parts
Hoary Plantain can be used in cooking. Young leaves are edible and can be added to salads or cooked as a vegetable. The seeds of the plant can be ground into a flour that is gluten-free and can be used to make bread, muffins, and other baked goods. Hoary Plantain has a bitter taste. The seeds have a high nutritional value and are rich in protein, fiber, and minerals.
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