Broadleaf plantain
Plantago major
A perennial forming a ground-level rosette in lawns, gardens and disturbed ground. Broad leaves have conspicuous curved veins, and slender upright spikes carry tiny flowers. Young leaves have documented use as a cooked leafy vegetable; older leaves become fibrous.
Native range
Eurasia; introduced and widespread in North America, including Ontario.
Typical season
Young leaves are the food reference, rather than tough mature foliage. Availability follows local growth and mowing; no reviewed Toronto-specific monthly picking calendar is assigned.
Identification
Compare the broad leaf, its strong veins, petiole and flower spike together. Distinguish the similar native Rugel's plantain (Plantago rugelii) and narrowleaf plantain (P. lanceolata). This is not the banana called plantain. Lawn presence does not establish freedom from sprays, animal waste or other contamination.