photo #2640456

This is plantain, two different species of plantain.Narrow-leafed plantain is on the left next to broad-leafed plantain on the right.Both leaves are edible. Narrow-leafed is more bitter whereas as broad-leafed is more palatable because narrow-leafed contains more medicinal constituents (making it more bitter). Overall, the leaves taste best in Spring.Notice the parallel veins of the leaf and the tall stalk with little flowers. Those are identifying markers. Have you ever heard of psyllium husk? It comes from the seeds of the stalk. Psyllium husk is a binding agent used in fiber products and gluten-free baking. If you go camping and need to know any plant, this might be it. Chew up those leaves and put them right on bee stings and bug bites. 🐝 They will cool them down, stop itching, and draw out the venom.Don't use or eat something if you don't know what it is!