Plantago major aka Common Plantain

Plantago major, commonly known as broadleaf plantain or greater plantain, is a low-growing herbaceous perennial native to Eurasia. It belongs to the plantain family, Plantaginaceae. This plant features a rosette of dark green leaves with pale green veins and stems. The leaves are broad and oval-shaped, measuring 5-20 cm in length and 4-9 cm in width, with a smooth margin and a distinct petiole almost as long as the leaf itself. There are five to nine prominent veins running along the length of each leaf. The plant produces leafless spikes on upright stems, reaching up to 20 cm in height. These spikes bear small, tightly clustered brownish purple flowers. The young and tender leaves can be consumed raw, while the older and more fibrous leaves can be boiled and added to stews. It's important to note that broadleaf plantain should not be confused with the fruit known as plantain, which is a type of banana.