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Plantaginaceae
A Tale of the Ribwort Plantain

Ribwort Plantain Plantago lanceolata

This is one of the favourites of guests on my wildflower walks. They often call it walkers' muesli as the seed heads are edible and people also know about the healing properties - you can find plantain in many cough remedies in the chemists as it contains mucilage. There is also a lot of folklore associated with the plant, perhaps because it is so widespread and closely follows human habitation. It can flourish on compacted ground, where the roots of other plants can't easily penetrate, such as well-trodden paths. We have more Ribwort than Greater Plantain. I've made 'capers' out of the heads by pickling them in vinegar and I also add the leaves to pesto I make for my guided walks. 

Ribwort Plantain

Ribwort Plantain