Plantaginaceae: a perennial species, 60-80cm. Found on mountains, grassy plains, and woodland. Greenish-yellow flowers have dark veins and are carried in long dense spikes, from early to midsummer. Tough, slender, downy stems and rosettes of lance-shaped green leaves. Native to South east Europe.
Surface sow early spring in a cold frame. The seed usually germinates in 2 - 4 weeks at 20°C. When they are large enough to handle, prick the seedlings out into individual pots and plant them out in the summer. Succeeds in semi-shade on ordinary garden soil, especially if it is rich in organic matter. It can also succeed in dry soils once established.