Plantain

Another fine case of a common weed being beloved by butterflies. Plantain (Plantago lanceolata) is one of about 200 species of inconspicuous grass like plants common to disturbed areas like roadsides and yards.

Plantain is the host to the lovely Buckeye Butterfly (Junonia coenia) which is common to the Tampa Bay region of Florida. The caterpillars are charcoal grey to black and covered in tiny non-stinging spines.

Since prehistoric times plantagos have been used in poultices to cure rashes from insect bites and poison ivy and also as a tincture to help heal coughs and bronchitis. Of no relation to the similarly named banana cousin, broad leaf plantain varieties have sometimes been used as a leaf vegetable in salads.