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Sea Plantain Plantago maritima 

 
 
Attracts ButterfliesButterflies are attracted to this plant
Perennial Life CyclePerennial life cycle
Cross-Shaped FlowersCross-shaped flowers
Cream FlowersCream flowers
4 Petals4 petals
Jun-Sep Flowering
period
Narrow LeavesNarrow leaves
Smooth-Edged LeavesSmooth-edged leaves
Round StemRound stem
Tap RootTap root
20cmMaximum height
 
 
  Main image of Sea Plantain
© 2021 Adrian Briggs
 

Sea Plantain is a native perennial plant of the UK, typically found growing in saltmarshes and rocky coastal areas, to a mature height of up to 20cm.

The Sea Plantain is distinguished from other plantains by: its narrow, grass-like leaves; its long green compound flowerhead spikes with orangey stalks; and its cream anthers, borne on long filaments.

Botanic classification and naming: Sea Plantain is a member of the Plantain (Plantaginaceae) family. The genus name 'Plantago' identifies the plant as a Plantain and its species name 'maritima' means 'coastal plant'.

Benefits: Caterpillars of several butterfly species feed on this plant.

Benefits to wildlife are also indicated with orange icons in the plant profile bar at the top.

 

 
Flower of Sea Plantain

© 2021 Adrian Briggs

 

Flowers:
Sea Plantain usually flowers between June and September.

Flower colour:

Flower Colour Cream

Cream

Flower shape:

Flower Shape  Cross

Cross

Petals:

Petal Number =  4

4

Leaf of Sea Plantain

© 2021 Adrian Briggs

 

Leaves:

Leaf Shape:

Leaf Shape is Narrow

Narrow

Leaf Margins:

Leaf Margin is smooth

smooth

Stem of Sea Plantain

© 2021 Adrian Briggs

 

Stem and Roots:

Stem shape:

Stem Shape is Round

Round

Root type:

Root Type is Tap

Tap