Ribwort plaintain

Ribwort plantain usually grows in larger grassy areas such as parks or grassy meadows. However, it grows best in loamy or sandy soils. It is a typical feature of paths, which is where the name plantain comes from. Ribwort plantain grows to about 5 to 60 inches tall and about a finger wide. The flowers are brown and white.

Ribwort plantain belongs to the plantain family and is often used as a medicinal plant for inflammation of the mucous membrane of the mouth and throat or for other inflammations. According to observations, sensitization to ribwort plantain has increased significantly in recent years. The sticky seeds of ribwort plantain are often found on animal paws, shoes and wheels.

Pollen season

The pollen season is between May and September. Small capsules, each with two small blackish seeds, develop from the small white individual flowers in the Autumn.

Possible cross reactions

Many people who are allergic to ribwort often also exhibit additional allergies, such as an allergy to grasses or birch pollen. Cross-reactions with olive trees may also occur, but these are very rare.