A truly ancient plant whose pollen has been found dating back to the early Neolithic period. The name comes from its narrow, ribbed leaves with their parallel veins. It is a useful plant to be aware of if cut or stung when outside. Roll some leaves in your hand until they feel wet. You now have a dressing to help stop bleeding or act as an antiseptic and antihistamine - much more effective for nettle stings than a dock leaf. It shares similar medicinal properties with broadleaf plantain (see last photo), one of the nine sacred herbs of the Anglo-Saxons, believed to have been given to humans by Woden, the God of healing. The flower heads have a mushroomy flavour - but check link for safe foraging advice The seeds are loved by birds and caterpillars of the rare Glanville Fritillary butterfly rely on its leaves for nourishment.