Plantago major, commonly known as broadleaf plantain, is a herbaceous perennial native to Europe and parts of Asia but has become naturalized worldwide. It is often found in lawns, fields, and disturbed sites, as well as along roadsides and in compacted soils. Broadleaf plantain typically forms a rosette of dark green, oval to broadly lanceolate leaves that are edible and rich in calcium and vitamins. The plant is known for its fibrous root system and its ability to thrive in a wide range of environmental conditions.

Broadleaf plantain is valued for its medicinal properties, as its leaves have been used traditionally to treat wounds and inflammation. It is also consumed as a leafy vegetable, either raw or cooked. In gardens, it can be used as a ground cover or as part of a medicinal herb garden. This plant prefers full sun to partial shade and can tolerate a range of soil types, though it thrives in moist, well-drained soils. It is drought-tolerant once established and requires minimal maintenance. However, it can become weedy and potentially invasive outside its native range, so gardeners should be cautious and check local regulations before planting.CC BY-SA 4.0