Edge/ Bracted Plantain

COMMON NAME: Bracted Plantain

OTHER COMMON NAME(S): Buckhorn

SCIENTIFIC NAME: Plantago aristata

FAMILY: Plantaginaceae

COMMUNITY: Edge

STATUS: Native

LIFESPAN: Annual

HEIGHT: 5 to 7 inches

FLOWERING TIME: Early June to Mid-July

FRUITING TIME: to November

DISTRIBUTION: Throughout United States.  Statewide in NJ, decreasing inland and northward

IDENTIFYING CHARACTERISTICS: Long taproot ~ Leaves dark green, hairy, linear, parallel veins ~ Spike at the top of stem bearing small flowers ~ Leaves in a basal cluster

GENERAL INFORMATION: This family (Plantaginaceae), commonly called the Plantain Family, consists of 3 genera and 255 species of herbs and shrubs. The Romans called this family the “plantago” from “planta” which means “sole of the foot” and refers to the shape of the leaves.  It is also the root word for “plant”.  Two Eurasian species are of medical importance, Plantago afra which provides the laxative psyllium (Metamucil is one brand) and Plantago ovata which is used to treat dysentery. An eighteenth-century European botanist recommended binding plantain leaves to sore and tired feet to relieve fatigue. Early American colonists used plantain on insect and venomous snake bites and used the seeds to expel worms.  Chewing the root was reported to stop toothaches. Today, other member of this family are among the edible wild plants. Common Plantain is chopped and added to salad or boiled and served as a cooked green.  Only the young greens are tasty, as they soon become too stringy to use.

Please note: While harvesting wild berries/fruit is permitted at Island Beach State Park, visitors must adhere to park regulations at all times and must not damage vegetation or go off designated trails.  This information is presented for educational purposes.