Family: Plantain (Plantaginaceae)
Hardy to Zones 3 to 10
Herbaceous perennial native to China. Similar to our common western broadleaf plantain (Plantago major) but with slightly serrated leaf margins and a more open and upright growth habit. The leaves are spinach-ey in texture, and especially when harvested during the cool months of the year, rate high in edibility, with little of the typical overwhelming tannic reaction of P. major. Produces copious quantities of seed on full, upright branches. The seed is official to the Chinese pharmacopoeia. Seed gathered on my trip to Kunming and introduced successfully into organic culture here in Oregon. Plant prefers full sun to part shade, moist garden soils or potted culture. Press small seeds into surface of potting soil and keep evenly moist until germination, which is rapid. Space plants 6 inches to 1 foot apart.
