This is another very successful summer weed which grows in on paths and even pavements. The leaves are capable of lying flat to the ground so lawn mowers pass straight over them and even walking on them doesn't seem to put these tough plants off in the slightest. The long flowers often don't seem to have reproductive parts at first sight but closer examination should reveal at least some purple anthers like those in the photo. There are two sub species and this one ssp major is much the commoner of the two.

Plantago major is found throughout the British Isles and Ireland even on the outer islands like St Kilda,

Helsby, Cheshire 14th July 2011

Added on January 6th 2004, updated 14th July 2011