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An Ethonobotanical Report
Whiteman's Foot (Common Plantain)
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Plantago major
American Indian Names
Plantain was called whiteman's foot by the Native Americans. They named
it this because it seemed to follow them everywhere they went.
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Description
This is a perennial plant, which dies to the ground each winter and
sprouts anew from around mid-spring. The oval, ribbed, short-stemmed
leaves form basal rosettes which tend to hug the ground. The leaves may
grow up to about 6" long and 4" wide. Between early summer and late
fall, leafless flower stalks get 6" to 18" tall, and arise from
the center of the rosette. The flower stalks is packed with greenish
white flowers each of which will become a small capsule-like seedpod
containing 10 to 20 seeds. When the seeds are mature, the seedpods
split in half, and the seeds fall to the ground to start the whole
thing over.
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Habitat and Location
Common Plantain is found in low to mid elevations. It appears in
disturbed areas or those with many weeds. Common Plantain is very
common in the south. Often found growing on lawns or the borders or
driveways. Plantain is now naturalized throughout the United States. We also have this plant all over the rez everywhere you
go you see it.
Uses
Common Plantain is often called 'soldier's herb' because it has been
used over the centuries to treat wounds on the battle fields. Leaves
can be chewed and the juices mixed with saliva to be spread on
abrasions, burns or bee stings. Hikers today can place the leaves in
their boots to reduce the effects of blisters and pain. | 
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By Alyssa Aldrich
This Page was last update: Wednesday, December 20, 2006 at 1:48:16 PM
This page was originally posted: 10/31/06; 10:27:22 AM.
Copyright 2008 Plants of the Omaha Indian Reservation
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