Buckhorn plantain Description

Weed

Buckhorn plantain

Scientific Name

Plantago lanceolata

Family

Plantain family (Plantaginaceae)

Life Cycle

Cool season perennial

Reproduction Method

Reproduces by seeds and roots

Appearance

Buckhorn plantain forms a spreading or upright basal rosette of narrowly oval leaves that grow above a long, sturdy taproot with lateral branches.

Leaves

Leaves of buckhorn plantains are sometimes twisted and curled, narrowly oval, dark green, and up to 1 1/2 inches wide and 8 inch long. The tips are sharp and the veins are prominent.

Flowers

Buckhorn plantain forms many small flowers that are tightly clustered at the ends of long stems. The inflorescences resemble a bullet. The flower stalks are 6 to 30 inches tall, and the flowers occur during May to October.

Occurrence

Buckhorn plantains occur commonly in low-quality turfs of low to moderate soil fertility throughout the growing season.

Non Chemical Control

To control this weed without chemicals, maintain turf density and health through proper culture, especially fertilization. Mechanically pull removing as much of the taproot as possible.

Chemical Control

Application Period

Apply postemergence herbicides in mid spring to early summer and/or mid to late autumn when weeds are growing actively. Preemergence herbicides can be applied before seed germination.

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