Perennial. Rosette of dark green leaves, with flower spikes appearing in May to August. Best suited to grassy locations.
Succeeds in any moderately fertile soil in a sunny position.
Grows well in the spring meadow.
An important food plant for the caterpillars of many species of butterflies.
The flowers are sweetly scented.
Sow spring in a cold frame. When they are large enough to handle, prick the seedlings out into individual pots and plant them out in early summer. A sowing can be made outdoors in situ in mid to late spring if you have enough seeds.
Edible uses
Young leaves - raw or cooked. The very young leaves have a fairly mild flavour but with a slight bitterness.
Used in salads before they become tough. The inflorescence is sweet and is sucked by children.
http://practicalplants.org/wiki/Plantago_media