Fleawort (Plantago psyllium)

Family: Plantaginaceae | Edibility: Edible (2/5)

Plantago psyllium is a ANNUAL growing to 0.6 m (2ft) by 0.3 m (1ft in). The species is hermaphrodite (has both male and female organs) and is pollinated by Wind. The plant is self-fertile. Suitable for: light (sandy), medium (loamy) and heavy (clay) soils and prefers well-drained soil. Suitable pH: mildly acid, neutral and basic (mildly alkaline) soils. It cannot grow in the shade. It prefers dry or moist soil.

Edible Parts & Harvest Seasons

Edible Parts: Leaves

Harvest Seasons: Early Summer, Fall, Late Summer, Spring

Flavor & Culinary Uses

Young leaves - raw or cooked. Seed - sprouted and eaten in salads. Due to their mucilaginous quality, the sprouts are usually grown on clay or other porous materials. — Young leaves - raw or cooked.; Seed - sprouted and eaten in salads.; Due to their mucilaginous quality, the sprouts are usually grown on clay or other porous materials.

Habitat & North American Range

Dry places in S. Europe. Found wild on most well-drained soils. (Zone 4, Zone 5, Zone 6, Zone 7, Zone 8)