Plantain Pollen: Properties, Habitat & Uses

Plantain pollen is the pollen of any member of a genus of broad-leafed weeds of the genus Plantago. The leaves grow in rosettes---often flattened in lawns---and the flowers are borne in spikes atop stems which grow from two to 12 inches tall.

Where to Find Plantain Pollen

• Plantain grows in seasonal moist places worldwide. It is the most common weed in lawns, and the plants may be found in urban lots as well as alongside country roads.

Season

• Plantain blooms from May to November, when the flower stalks may be seen standing up from the leaf rosette. English plantain (P. lanceolata) blooms in May and June.

Importance

• Plantain pollen is a moderate to severe allergen. English plantain is the most common species and the most prolific pollen producer.

Control

• Plantain pollen may be reduced indoors by using an air conditioner or air filtration device. Control of the plants is best effected by a combination of pre-emergent herbicides, cultivation and removal by hand.

Commercial Products

• Plantain stems and leaves are found in some herbal preparations. These may also trigger allergic reactions.