PLANTAIN PATCH

Family: Plantaginaceae
Native to India, Central Asia and the Mediterranean. Naturalized worldwide. Plantain
has drifted into many unique forms. This herb is a gentle yet persistent antimicrobial
and anti-inflammatory. Particularly useful for first-aid poulticing of dental infections
(Plantain PULLS). General cultivation: Extra care. Light-dependent germinator.
Press into surface of soil and keep moist. Prefers cool soils for germ. Transplant or
thin to 6-inch spacing during the spring. Plants prefer sun or shade, a moist soil (good
drainage not necessary), are not particular about fertility but will attain very
impressive size and health given water and compost.

Anasazi...............Plantago major
Herbaceous perennial. This variety was collected by Richo from the base of Frijoles
Canyon near the Anasazi ruins at Bandalier, NM. Broad, oval, bright green leaves of
great utility in medicine. Grows to 1 foot tall.

Giant Turkish .....................Plantago major

Herbaceous perennial. Rare. Largest of all true plantain cultivars, this one produces
striking deeply-veined, toothed leaves, 8 inches across and up to 20 inches long, really
appearing closer to rhubarb than plantain. The raceme may easily measure 4 feet.
Give full sun, plenty of water and rich soil for most impressive performance.

Indian........Cacalia muhlenbergii
Family: Asteraceae
Herbaceous perennial. Native to the prairies and dry woodlands of the eastern and
central U.S.. With its broad, deeply- veined and irregularly-toothed leaves making a
fine rosette, Indian Plantain does for the medicinal garden what Hasta does for the
ornamental garden. Native Americans used the fresh leaves as a drawing poultice
against infections and cancerous lesions of the skin. Space 3 feet apart. Flowers
white, 4 to 7 feet tall.

Narrow Leaved..................Plantago lanceolata

Perennial. Medicinally and horticulturally as per Plantain, Anasazi. This is the
common English or Buckthorn Plantain, which contain stretchy cords of cellulose in
each leaf. Herbal Ed Smith likes to use these cords to tie a bruised Plantain leaf over
an injury, as an entirely natural bandage.

Red Leaf ..........................Plantago atropurpurea

Herbaceous perennial. The dark red/bronze leaves, slightly mottled with green, are
giant, succulent and quite beautiful. This is an excellent culinary Plantain,
recommended for addition to salad mixes. Same medicinal attributes as Plantain,
Anasazi.
Psyllium ........................Plantago psyllium
(Psyllium Seed)
Annual. Native to the Mediterranean. This is the main official species, its seeds used
in numerous colon-cleansing products. It is an excellent source of cholesterol-
fighting fiber, and effectively bulks the stools, helping dispel toxins and improve
regularity. Take with plenty of water. The plant grows 1 to 3 feet tall.

Sea ............................Plantago maritima

(Goosetongue Plantain)
Family: Plantaginaceae
Perennial halophyte. Native to maritime Europe, Russia and the Pacific coast of
America. Defying the highest winds and stormy breakers, the fat-leaved Goosetongue
Plantain roots into whatever rocky crack it may find, deriving sufficient nutrition from
organic debris and minerals to support its Spartan lifestyle. These are delicious for a
delicate coastal chew, and they are quite effective medicine. Tolerates extreme
conditions and saltwater. Thin to 6 inches apart. Flowers to 1 foot tall.

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