Plantain ~ The Helpful Pathside Herb (Not the Banana!)

If someone told you that rabbits and guinea pigs enjoy eating plantain, you’d be forgiven for picturing a rather confused banana wearing a fake moustache.

Thankfully, that’s not the sort of plantain we’re talking about.

The plantain enjoyed by rabbits and guinea pigs belongs to the Plantago family, a group of hardy herbs commonly found growing in lawns, paddocks, gardens, and along walking paths. While many people dismiss it as an ordinary weed, it’s actually a favourite forage plant for countless small herbivores.

Whether you’re interested in growing your own forage, learning to identify safe plants, or simply curious about what’s growing beneath your feet, plantain is a wonderful herb to get to know.

Wait… Isn’t Plantain a Banana?

This is one of the most common points of confusion.

The word plantain can refer to two completely different plants.

The first is the starchy banana-like fruit commonly used in cooking throughout many parts of the world. The second, and the one we are talking about today, is Plantago - a completely unrelated herb that has been enjoyed by grazing animals for centuries.

So don’t worry…

No bananas are required for this chapter.

Meet Plantago

There are many species of plantain, but two are especially common.

Broadleaf Plantain (Plantago major)

Broadleaf plantain has wide, rounded leaves that grow in a low rosette close to the ground. It produces long flower spikes filled with tiny seeds and is often found in lawns and compacted soil.

Ribwort Plantain (Plantago lanceolata)

Ribwort plantain has long, narrow leaves with distinctive parallel veins. It produces slender flower stalks topped with small brown seed heads surrounded by delicate white stamens.

Although the look different, both are widely recognised as safe forage plants for rabbits and guinea pigs when collected from clean, untreated areas.

Why Rabbits and Guinea Pigs Enjoy Plantain

Like many natural forage plants, plantain provides an opportunity for rabbits and guinea pigs to explore different textures, flavours, and scents.

Offering a variety of safe plants helps create a more enriching feeding experience than hay alone, encouraging natural foraging behaviours while adding interest to their daily routine.

Fresh plantain can be offered occasionally as part of a varied selection of safe leafy greens, while dried plantain is a popular ingredient in many forage blends.

As with any new food, introduce it gradually and observe your pet to ensure it agrees with their digestive system.

Where Does Plantain Grow?

One of the reasons why plantain is so well loved by foragers is because it’s surprisingly common.

You may spot it:

• Growing in lawns.

• Along walking paths.

• In paddocks.

• Around gardens.

• In open grassy areas.

However, not every patch of plantain is safe to collect.

Always avoid plants growing:

• Along busy roads.

• In areas treated with herbicides or pesticides.

• Near industrial sites.

• In places frequently visited by dogs or other animals.

When in doubt, it’s always better to leave it where it is.

Foraging Safely

Foraging can be a rewarding way to provide variety to your rabbits and guinea pigs, but it comes with responsibility.

Before collecting any wild plants:

• Be completely confident in your identification.

• Harvest only from clean, chemical-free areas.

• Take only what you need, leaving plenty behind for wildlife and future growth.

• Wash fresh forage before offering it.

• Introduce new plants slowly and in small amounts.

Responsible foraging helps protect both your pets and the natural spaces we all enjoy.

Fresh or Dried?

Both fresh and dried plantain have their place.

Fresh leaves can be a lovely seasonal treat when collected safely, while dried plantain stores well and can be enjoyed throughout the year.

Many rabbits and guinea pigs appreciate the slightly different texture of dried leaves, making them a popular addition to forage mixes and enrichment boxes.

A Humble Little Weed

Plantain may never win awards for being the showiest plant in the garden, but it quietly earns it’s place among the favourites of many buns and piggies.

It’s a wonderful reminder that sometimes the most valuable plants are the ones growing unnoticed beneath our feet.

The next time you spot this humble herb on a country walk or in your garden, you might find yourself seeing it a little differently. Just remember…

The helpful pathside herb belongs in your forage basket.

The banana belongs in your fruit bowl.

Librarian note:

Every meadow has its quiet treasures, and plantain is certainly one of them.

Learning to recognise safe forage plants is a wonderful way to better understand the natural diets of rabbits and guinea pigs. With a little patience and careful identification, even the most ordinary-looking plants can become part of a richer, more enriching world for our small companions.

Happy foraging, and happy reading.

This is not a banana. I have been informed of this several times.