Ribwort Plantain - Plantago lanceolata

Plantago lanceolata, also known as ribwort plantain, is known for its medicinal properties. It forms rosettes of long, hairy, lanceolate and veined leaves, from which emerge floral stems terminating in a spike of small, honey-rich flowers. The entire plant is edible, but the leaves are mainly consumed in salads, soups, or as an infusion. Ribwort plantain is renowned for its benefits to the respiratory system. When crushed, it is used to relieve insect bites. It is naturally found in soils that are quite poor in humus, with a tendency towards clay and a neutral to alkaline (limestone) pH. It self-seeds spontaneously in the garden, even in lawns.

It is a perennial plant of Eurasian origin. It belongs to the Plantaginaceae family. It is found in lawns, on compact or sandy terrain, fallow land, and cultivated fields. This perennial displays a tufted habit, composed of narrow leaves marked by deep parallel veins, topped by upright floral stems. Depending on the soil type and sunlight, the plant reaches a height of 20 to 50cm (8 to 20in) when flowering. The tiny flowers are gathered in a cylindrical spike at the end of the floral stems. They are popular with bees. Flowering takes place from April to October, depending on the climate.

In the garden, this herb is cultivated for its tender young leaves, which are consumed raw in salads or cooked like spinach. It can also be used to treat minor injuries like insect bites, as it has emollient and astringent properties.

Harvesting: harvest the young leaves throughout the year, as needed.

Storage: the leaves should be consumed immediately after harvesting.

Gardener's tip: it thrives in uncompacted soil.

Tortoises love ribwort plantain.