Seasonal Wild Flowers

Sea Plantain

Plantago maritima

Plantaginaceae

Late May to September

It is found all round the coast and on the Pennine uplands.

See the BSBI distribution map for Sea Plantain

Sea Plantain grows on coastal rocks, cliffs, turf, heaths and

the middle and upper grassed zones of saltmarshes.

In uplands it occurs on rocks, scree, stream banks and

unfertilised pastures.

It has also spread to salt-treated roadside verges.

It is a native, perennial herb growing up to 30cm.

The flower spikes are green and brown and the anthers are

yellow.

Flower stems are unfurrowed.

Leaves are fleshy, green and linear.

The undersides are greyer and veined.

Previous page: Sea Pea
Next page: Sea Radish

Sea Plantain - Lune estuary saltmarsh

Sea Plantain on cliff, Heysham head

Flower spikes

Close-up of stamens

Leaves

Underside of leaves greyer and veined

Upperside greener and smooth