When I saw this field of Ribwort plantain (Plantago lanceolata) nodding their flower heads in the gentle breeze, I had to make them my post for the day.
My Flora Britannica lists several common names for this plant, including Fighting cocks, Short bobs, Soldiers and sailors, and Black Jacks, which all come from the fact that the plant is apparently used for children’s games. This is not something I had heard of but it seems one variation of the game is similar to conkers, where kids try to knock off each other’s flower heads.
Though the gardeners amongst you may regard this as a pesky garden weed, I think it’s an attractive plant. Its flowers provide sustenance for insects like butterflies, moths and hoverflies and, if its seed heads are not chopped off, they provide food for seed-eating birds like Goldfinches. Interestingly, though, the Plantlife website says ‘ribwort plantain is surprisingly unpopular with slugs and snails [as] they find the leaves unpalatable.’
earthstar 
As a child I called them Cocks & Hens. Not sure why, passed down from my mum. X
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Another fascinating titbit, thank you. I love how plants are woven into our culture like this. 🙂
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We used to play with these by making a loop with the stalk, threading the head through the loop then by closing the loop slightly and quickly pulling the stalk it would make the head pop off. Its much harder to describe it than to demonstrate.
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Thanks, Dave. I think I understand what you mean. It’s fascinating to learn about the different games in different areas.
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We always called it, simply, Plantain. No games were ever played with it in Abertillery!
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Interesting! Obviously a regional thing then. Thanks.
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