This crop’s key feature is that it mines for micro-nutrients—primarily zinc, copper and selenium—making these nutrients available when grazed. These micro-nutrients are vital to wildlife and livestock. Animals tend to not eat Boston Plantain until they need the nutrients, and then they feed on it much like going to a mineral block. The leaves are similar to alfalfa in terms of forage value.

Its deep taproot tills the soil, bringing all the nutrients to the topsoil.