Hoary plantain

Description:

A slender stalk of between 5 to 50 cm develops from a basal rosette of finely-haired leaves. Delicate pink-white flowers are borne between May and September. P. media is hemaphrodite and is pollinated by wind or insects, particularly bees. The plant is edible and has long maintained a reputation for medicinal effects as an astringent for treating wounds; in antiquity it was employed against toothache and eye infections. Archeological finds testify to its use during the Roman era in Britain. The seeds are a laxative.

Habitat:

Is a species of genus Plantago native to central and western Europe, including Great Britain and introduced to parts of the north-east United States. In damp grassy meadows up to an altitude of 2000 m.