Object: Broadleaf plantain (Plantago major)

Description: Widespread throughout all temperate regions in Europe, broadleaf plantain is both a common weed and medicinal plant. Brought to America by the Dutch and English settlers, they cultivated this plant in their herb gardens for its many medicinal attributes. The plantain leaves have strong anti-inflammatory properties and help treat injuries. Plantain was also useful in the kitchen, providing healthy food: its young leaves could be enjoyed as a salad during the spring, just like the early shoots of other common weeds, like dandelion.