PLANTAIN
Common Names: Plantain, Buckhorn, Ribgrass, Ripple grass, Ripwort, Jack straw, Hen plant, Lamb's tongue.
Scientific Name: Plantago genus
When to Find: Leaves in spring. Seed in late spring and summer.
Where to Find: Fields, wasteland, and roadsides.
Parts Used: Leaves and seeds. The latter used to bait bird traps.
Preparation: Strip out leaf veins. Eat leaves fresh or as vegetables. Strip off seeds for feed. Smash young leaves to make a dressing for wounds.
Storage: Can or sun dry leaves. AIso sun dry seeds and store in a dry place.
Identification: Leaves are heavily veined with stringlike fiber. They are 6-8 inches long and half that wide. Flower heads are spiky.
