Look for Plantago in yards, alongside roadsides, and in disturbed areas. Plantain grows in the shade or in the sun, so check both areas thoroughly when foraging.
Where do you find plantain?
Plantain, known as Plantago major, grows all over North America and around the world. It is commonly found in yards and gardens where pesticides aren’t used. Chances are, if you’re a Climate Victory Gardener, you’ve come across this plant.
What are wild plantains?
Plantain, also known as broadleaf plantain (Plantago major), is native to Europe and certain parts of Asia. This perennial plant produces greenish flowers and has large, oval-shaped leaves that can be eaten raw or cooked. Despite sharing its name, plantain weed is unrelated to plantain fruit, which is a type of banana.
Can you eat wild plantain?
Plantain is a highly nutritious wild edible, that is high in calcium and vitamins A, C, and K. The young, tender leaves can be eaten raw, and the older, stringier leaves can be boiled in stews and eaten. The seeds are also edible. However, ingesting large quantities can cause a drop in blood pressure.
How do you harvest wild plantains?
Plantain is easy to harvest — just pull leaves by their stems from the plant. If you capture the stem along with the leaf, it makes it easier to hang and dry. Otherwise, you can just pull off leaves. Don’t forget the seed heads, since they are also known to have medicinal value.
What is wild plantain good for?
Plantain has long been considered by herbalists to be a useful remedy for cough, wounds, inflamed skin or dermatitis, and insect bites. More. Plantain has long been considered by herbalists to be a useful remedy for cough, wounds, inflamed skin or dermatitis, and insect bites.
Can I grow plantain?
Plantains are grown just like bananas, which if you live in USDA zones 8-11, you can grow too. I’m still jealous. Initial plantain plant care requires well-draining soil, regular watering, and protection from wind or frost. Choose a sunny, warm area of your garden and dig a hole that is as deep as the root ball.
How do you cook wild plantains?
Heat a nonstick skillet with butter or olive oil, add the plantain leaves and toss them with minced garlic, shallots or other aromatics until they just begin to wilt. Season with salt and pepper and dig in. Sautéd plantain leaves can be cooked up as a simple side dish with minimal time or labor.
Can dogs eat wild plantain?
Plantain is a source of dietary fiber, vitamins A, C, B6 and magnesium and potassium. It’s safe for your dog to eat the plantain fruit but it needs to be cooked. You can cook it the same way as potatoes. To help retain the most nutrients, steaming plantain is best.
What are the two types of plantain?
Two groups of plantains are thought to have a common origin: the horn plantain and the French plantain. Both types grow in India, Africa, Egypt, and tropical America. The French plantains also occur in Indonesia and the islands of the Pacific.
What are the side effects of plantain?
Great plantain seems to be safe when taken by mouth by most adults. But it may cause some side effects including diarrhea and low blood pressure. It might be UNSAFE to apply great plantain to the skin. It can cause allergic skin reactions.
What does wild plantain look like?
Wild plantain grows low to the ground and has distinctive leaves with prominent parallel veins. These leaves grow in a basal rosette, which means they grow at the base of the plant, the leaves overlapping to loosely form a rose-like shape. Plantain is also identifiable by its prominent central flower spike.
Does plantain draw out infection?
It can draw out and close up pus and infection from dirty wounds and soothes irritated membranes. Plantain is also helpful in bronchial infections and pneumonia.
What animal eats plantain?
Feed Plantain to:
| plantain | (Plantago spp.) |
|---|---|
| Cottontail, Eastern | Sylvilagus floridanus |
| Deer, White-tailed | Odocoileus virginianus |
| Grouse, Ruffed | Bonasa umbellus |
| plantain | (Plantago spp.) |
What does plantain leaf cure?
The plantain leaf benefits have been traced back to the 1500s to cure health conditions such as the cold, fever or flu. It has antibacterial, anti-irritant and antiseptic properties.
Does plantain cure poison ivy?
Plantain provides relief to dermatitis, poison ivy and other skin conditions because of its ability to draw out toxins and soothe and reduce inflammation.
What does plantain water do to the body?
The high amount of potassium found in plantains is essential for maintaining the cell and body fluids that control your heart rate and blood pressure. The fiber in plantains also helps lower your cholesterol, which in turn keeps your heart functioning at its best.
How many years does plantain take to grow?
Plantain takes about 8 months to start to yield and about 3 months to mature. That’s to say, it takes about a year to have the first harvest from the planting date.
How do you tell a plantain from a banana tree?
Bananas tend to be curved in appearance and start out green, turning yellow as they ripen and eventually brown or black if they become overripe. Plantain fruits are somewhat similar to bananas in appearance, although they tend to be longer, larger and straighter.
How long does it take for a plantain tree to produce fruit?
Plantains come from the tropics, where they can grow almost year-round and flower and fruit at any time. In these conditions, they can bear fruit in as little as nine to twelve months after planting.
Does plantain draw out venom?
Plantain can draw out the poison, so for stings and bites, make a poultice of fresh plantain leaf. You can enhance the drawing power by mixing plantain with a little water and activated charcoal or bentonite clay to form a paste.
Elvira Bowen is a food expert who has dedicated her life to understanding the science of cooking. She has worked in some of the world’s most prestigious kitchens, and has published several cookbooks that have become bestsellers. Elvira is known for her creative approach to cuisine, and her passion for teaching others about the culinary arts.