Broadleaf plantain (Plantago major) is one of the most common lawn weeds. It has a low growth habit and a tolerance for heavy foot traffic and compacted soil. Plantain has oval-shaped leaves that grow in low rosettes and thin flower spikes with easily-spread, wind-dispersed seeds. If you want to control this plant, remove it before the flower spikes appear.
However, once you learn about the many uses of broadleaf plantain, you’ll begin to view it as an edible herb instead of a pernicious weed. You can may even harvest the seed heads intentionally to cultivate the crop.
| Botanical Name | Plantago major |
| Common Name | Broadleaf plantain, plantain, common plantain |
| Family | Plantaginaceae |
| Plant Type | Herbaceous, perennial |
| Size | 3–4 in. tall, 4–12 in. wide |
| Sun Exposure | Full sun, part shade |
| Soil Type | Well-drained |
| Soil pH | Acidic, neutral, alkaline |
| Bloom Time | Spring, summer, fall |
| Flower Color | Green, brown |
| Hardiness Zones | 3–12 (USDA) |
| Native Area | Europe, Eurasia |
How to Plant Broadleaf Plantain
When to Plant
Broadleaf plantain self-seeds so readily that there’s rarely any need to deliberately plant it. The fine seeds take root wherever the wind blows them, so you can often simply wait for seeds to sprout up wherever you have a bare patch of soil.
Selecting a Planting Site
If you do wish to deliberately plant it, small plants can be dug up from the lawn and transplanted to your designated garden spot. Or, harvest seed heads from lawn weeds and plant them where you want them to grow.
There are virtually no serious pests or diseases that will affect your crop of broadleaf plantain. The more common problem is limiting its spread, which you can do by clipping off the flower spikes before they can set seed.
Broadleaf Plantain Care
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The Spruce / Evgeniya Vlasova
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The Spruce / Evgeniya Vlasova
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The Spruce / Evgeniya Vlasova
Light
Broadleaf plantain prefers full sun, but will also grow well in part shade conditions.
Soil
As befits a plant with a reputation as a weed, broadleaf plantain will grow in just about any soil. It has a tolerance for dense, compacted soils, though will fare best and grow to its largest size in rich, loamy soil with good drainage.
Water
In all but the driest climates, no additional watering beyond rainfall is needed. Ornamental varieties will appreciate about 1 inch of water per week—through rainfall, watering, or a combination of the two.
Temperature and Humidity
Broadleaf plantain thrives in the hot, humid conditions of summer across most of its hardiness range, zones 3 to 12. It prefers relatively humid conditions, but will also grow in arid climates if it gets supplemental water. West of the Rockies, it is a somewhat less prevalent lawn weed but is still frequently found.
Fertilizer
There’s no need to feed broadleaf plantain. It generally does well without any fertilizing.
Types of Broadleaf Plantains
There are three regional subspecies of this plant (Plantago major subsp. major, P. major subsp. intermedia, and P. major subsp. winteri), which are hard to distinguish from one another. Additionally, there are a couple of common, related species and cultivars.
- Rugel’s plantain (P. rugelii), also known as American plantain, is also edible.
- Ribwort plantain (P. lanceolata), also known as narrowleaf plantain, is often used to make tea.
- P. major ‘Rubrifolia’ has purple leaves.
- P. major ‘Variegata’ has variegated leaves.
Harvesting Broadleaf Plantain
Young leaves are eaten raw in salads and as a substitute for spinach. Older, stringier leaves can be boiled for stews. Seeds are often sprinkled on salads or used to flavor stews, though harvesting them can be tedious.
Due to its common association as a lawn weed, make sure that you are not harvesting plantain that has been sprayed with any chemical fertilizers, herbicides, or pesticides. Leaves can be pulled from the plant at any stage. Gently pull the leaf and it will easily separate from the root.
Don’t worry about harvesting too many leaves from the plant as it will grow back quite quickly. For use in salads, pick the leaves while they are young and tender. Older leaves are tougher and stringier, but they can be boiled for eating.
Propagating Broadleaf Plantain
Broadleaf plantain is very easy to propagate by collecting dried seeds and planting them in any suitable garden location. It is also fairly simple to transplant self-seeded specimens, even those growing as lawn weeds, into a suitable garden plot.
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Does plantain weed come back every year?
This plant is a perennial, meaning that it comes back year after year. It can be found growing from spring to autumn in Europe, parts of Asia, and North America.
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What parts of the plantain weed are edible?
Every part of broadleaf plantain is edible. The leaves can be eaten when they’re still young and tender in salads, or when older, they can be boiled, and used in stews and soups. The seeds from broadleaf plantain can be sprinkled on salads or used as flavorings in soups, sauces, or stews.
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Is broadleaf plantain an herb or a weed?
Broadleaf plantain is a wild weed that can be found in lawns, pastures, meadows, and along roadsides. It is fast-growing and spreads quickly.
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What was plantain weed used for historically?
Mature plantain weed fibers are strong enough that they were sometimes used to make fishing line and rope. The young leaves were also eaten like a salad green.