Cicely Mary Barker's Ribwort Plantain Fairy

Hullo, Snailey-O!
How's the world with you?
Put your little horns out;
Tell me how you do!
There's rain, and dust, and sunshine,
Where carts go creaking by;
You like it wet, Snailey;
I like it dry!

Hey ho, Snailey-O,
I'll whistle you a tune!
I'm merry in September
As e'er I am in June.
By any stony roadside
Wherever you may roam,
A11 the summer through, Snailey,
Plantain's at home!

Ribwort Plantain is a perennial herb that is native to Europe and Asia.  It has been introduced into North America and many other regions of the world.  It grows wild in ordinary soil and grassy places.  The flower heads bloom from May to September.  Ribwort is not generally grown in a garden because it is so easy to find wild. It can become a obnoxious weed if not kept under control.

It has a number of medicinal qualities.  Externally, a poultice made from the fresh leaves and applied to wounds will soothe and speed the healing process.