Plantaginaceae: a self-fertile, perennial herb that grows to 20–60cm high and has big roots. Found in woods and waste ground in lowland and mountains. The plant has erect spikes, with many small, white, hairless flowers, and oval sepals. The leaves gather on the ground, have oval blades and are 11–12cm long and 4–9cm wide, with obtuse apex and base, and 5 smooth main veins from the leaf base. Native to East Asia; China, Japan, and Korea.

The leaves of the plant are used in many Japanese dishes, especially soups. In Vietnam, the young leaves are boiled, fried, or made into soup with meat or prawns.

This plant was traditionally used in Asian pharmacopoeia for the treatment of liver disease. Its seeds have a mild laxative effect.

Surface seeds in sow spring in a cold frame. When they are large enough to handle, prick the seedlings out into individual pots and plant them out in early summer. Succeeds in any moderately fertile soil in a sunny position. This species is hardy to at least -15°C. Very easy to grow.