What is this plant?

(Question)

This started growing early summer near my Maple tree in my backyard

(Answer)

Thank you for your plant identification query. It is always difficult to identify a plant from a photo. For an accurate identification we would require a clear, close-up photo that shows stem, leaves, buds, flower and/or fruit of the plant.  Although the base of the plant and flowers are not evident, this looks to be an example of broadleaf plantain (Plantago major). Broadleaf plantain has green, oval to egg-shaped leaves that grow in a rosette. These leaves have thick stems that meet at a base with five to seven prominent parallel veins from the base. This plant can be found growing throughout Ontario and most of North America as well as in Europe and Asia in meadows, pastures, lawns, roadsides, gardens, and waste places.