Plantain
Plantago major
This is the common lawn/garden plantain (identify broadleaf Plantago major vs. narrowleaf Plantago lanceolata) — not the banana-like cooking fruit. A vulnerary and demulcent, traditionally valued in home herbalism for minor bites, stings, scrapes, and itchy or irritated skin, and an astringent that tones tissues.
Vulnerary — Supports healing of wounds or damaged tissue
Demulcent — Coats, moistens, and soothes irritated internal tissues
Astringent — Tightens and tones tissues; often drying
Growing and using it
Herbaceous perennial.
Existing, positively identified plants are preferred over intentionally planting it. If starting fresh, straight-species broadleaf plantain (Plantago major) seed.
Direct sow seed or transplant a correctly identified young plant.
Direct sow in spring or fall; sow shallowly.