Plantago major var. atropurpurea
Purple Plantain
This cultivated form of plantain is larger and sturdier than the wild type, although it will still grow nicely in paving cracks.  The leaves turn purple in the fall and can be used in salads or cooked like spinach, although they are somewhat bitter.  Considered a Venus herb because it affects the urinary tract and is cooling, this herb is used for animal magick and protection. Medicinally it is used fresh, because it loses its value upon drying.  The crushed or chopped leaves are applied to bites and rashes; the juice has been used to stop toothaches and earaches and the bleeding of cuts.  It is often used for bronchitis, although oddly enough, many people are allergic to the pollen. Also known as Ripple Grass, Waybread, Waybroad, Weybroed, Slan-lus, Snakeweed, Cuckoo's Bread, Englishman's Foot, and White Man's Foot. Top

How to grow purple plantain: Sow as deep as the seed is wide.  It will germinate in 2 weeks at 70F/room temperature.  Transplant to full sun and rich soil.  12-18 ht/30-45cm This plant is a perennial all over North America (zones 3-10). General growing tips. Top

Discontinued

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