Plantcompass

General Information

Family: Plantain family (Plantaginaceae)
Flowering period in Central Europe: Early spring to early autumn
Months: 4–8

Allergy potential
Moderate allergenicity.

Cross-reactions
Cross-reactions to pollen of olive and goosefoot plants are possible.

Botanical Information

Distribution
Over 240 species worldwide.

Morphology
Habit — Herbaceous, annual or perennial. Foliage — Leaves form a basal rosette or are opposite or alternate along the stem. Reproduction — Monoecious, spike-like inflorescences, seeds in capsule fruits.

Common species in Europe

Broadleaf Plantain (Plantago major).
Habit — Perennial, herbaceous. Foliage — Basal rosette of leaves, spoon-shaped leaves, up to hand-sized. Habitats — Roadsides, pavement cracks, meadows (resistant to trampling). Low to high mountain areas. Flowering period in Central Europe —Late May to September.

Narrowleaf plantain (Plantago lanceolata).
Habit — Perennial, herbaceous. Foliage — Basal rosette of leaves, elongated lanceolate leaves, young leaves hairy. Habitats — Fields, roadsides, meadows (resistant to trampling). Low to high mountain areas. Flowering period in Central Europe — Late May to September.