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.
                       

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.

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.

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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