Greater Plantain
Plantago major |
Cabbag Pherick |
May - August |
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Port St Mary, Port Soderick, Scarlett Point, Langness, Eary Cushlin, Glen Maye, Silverburn River, Port Cornaa, Maughold, Glen Auldyn, Glen Mooar, Archallagan, Calf Sound, Glen Rushen, Groudle Glen, Clypse and Kerrowdhoo, Chibbanagh, Silverdale Glen, River Neb, Bradda Head, Port Grenaugh, Niarbyl, Fleshwick, Ballannette, Conrhenny Plantation
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The largest of the island's plantain species, Greater Plantain can be found all over the island. It prefers hard-packed soil and is often found on paths, tracks and roadsides.
Greater Plantain is often used in herbal medicine, particularly in the treatment of insect bites and stings. It can also be eaten, though older leaves will be unpalatable unless cooked.
The Manx name for this plant is "Cabbag Pherick", which means "Patrick's Cabbage". This is said to originate from a story that St Patrick once cut his finger and used a plantain leaf to heal the cut.