Sea Plantain (Plantago maritima)

Sea Plantain

Plantago maritima

It thrives in salty coastal sands, a hardy ground cover with quiet, spiky blooms. Perennial herbaceous ground cover; common name: sea plantain.

Full sun
1–2/week
Beginner
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Plant Needs

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Sunlight Full sun to partial shade; tolerant of coastal wind and salt spray
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Watering Water moderately; tolerant of drought and saline soil moisture fluctuations
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Temperature Hardy to -15°C; withstands cool coastal temperatures and mild summer heat
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Characteristics

  • Leaf: Narrow, fleshy linear leaves in basal rosettes; adapted to saline coastal soils
  • Flower: Dense cylindrical spires of tiny greenish-white flowers on upright slender stems
  • Stem: Smooth, leafless flowering stems rising 10–30 cm above the basal rosette
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Care Guide

Watering

Keep soil slightly moist during active growth; avoid waterlogging

Fertilization

Light diluted feed once monthly. Use low-nitrogen feed to avoid excessive leaf growth

Eggshell powder topdressing:Crush dried eggshells into fine powder; lightly dust soil surface around rosettes to boost calcium levels
Pruning
  • Deadhead spent flower spikes to maintain tidy appearance and encourage potential rebloom
  • Trim yellowing basal leaves to reduce disease risk and promote new growth
  • Thin overcrowded rosettes in early spring to improve airflow and light penetration
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Toxicity

Warning: this plant may be toxic.

Pets & Humans

Pets: ASPCA: Non-toxic to cats; no reported adverse effects

Humans: No known toxic effects on humans; historically used as a mild medicinal herb

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Garden Uses & Culture

Culture: N/A

Usage: Traditional medicinal herb for soothing minor skin irritations; coastal erosion control