Plantago decipiens — Edible Plant Database

What to Eat

Edible parts: Leaves

Young leaves can be eaten raw or cooked.

Where to Find It

It is a temperate plant.

Canada, North America, USA,

Countries: Antigua & Barbuda, Barbados, Bahamas, Belize, Canada, Costa Rica, Cuba, Dominica, Dominican Republic, Grenada, Guatemala, Honduras, Haiti, Jamaica, St Kitts & Nevis, St Lucia, Mexico, Nicaragua, Panama, Puerto Rico, El Salvador, Trinidad & Tobago, United States, St Vincent

How to Identify

A perennial reaching 20cm tall with a compact growth habit. Hermaphroditic and wind-pollinated, self-fertile. Grows in light sandy, medium loamy, and heavy clay soils with good drainage. Tolerates mildly acidic to basic pH and saline conditions. Requires full sun and adapts to both dry and moist soil. Can withstand maritime exposure.

How to Grow

We have very little information on this species and do not know if it will be hardy in Britain, though judging by its native habitat it should succeed outdoors in most parts of the country. The following notes are based on the general needs of the genus. Succeeds in any moderately fertile soil in a sunny position.

Propagation: Sow seed in spring in a cold frame. Once seedlings are large enough to handle, prick them out into individual pots and plant out in early summer. If seed is plentiful, a direct outdoor sowing can be made in situ from mid to late spring.

Medicinal Uses

The seeds contain up to 30% mucilage, which swells in the gut and acts as a bulk laxative while soothing irritated membranes. The seed husks alone are sometimes used in place of the whole seeds.

Other Uses

None known.

Wikipedia

A perennial reaching 20cm tall with a compact growth habit. Hermaphroditic and wind-pollinated, self-fertile. Grows in light sandy, medium loamy, and heavy clay soils with good drainage. Tolerates mildly acidic to basic pH and saline conditions. Requires full sun and adapts to both dry and moist soil. Can withstand maritime exposure.