Buckhorn Plantain
Plantago lanceolata
| Common Name: | Buckhorn plantain (a.k.a English plantain, Narrow-leaved plantain, Rib-grass, Ribwort, Black-jacks) |
| Scientific Name: | Plantago lanceolata |
| Family: | Plantaginaceae |
| Growth Form: | Herb |
| Native Range: | Europe |
| Alien Range: | Widespread through the |
| Introduction: | The Buckhorn plantain was brought to the |
| Description: | ·Leaves: Range in shape from lanceolate to elliptical. 5-25 cm long, 1-2.5 cm wide. Form rosette on ground. 3-5 parallel veins. Margins usually entire, but can be toothed. Silky hair at leaf base
·Flowers: Appear at top of single, ridged, leafless, stalk between June and September. Individual flowers difficult to differentiate. ·Fruit: Appear concurrently with flowers at top of stalk. 2 seeds. 1.5-3.5 mm long. Brown, shiny capsule with dent in one side. |
| Threats: | Serves as a host for the rosy apple aphid. Forms dense clumps that interrupt athletic fields or golf courses. |
| Fun Facts: | Leaves can be used as an herb, in salads, or to make tea. Whole seeds, when ingested, have a laxative effect. |
Whole plant
Leaf
Seeds