How to Identify Plantain Lawn Weed

When it comes to weeds, buckhorn and broadleaf plantain (Plantago lanceolata; Plantago major) occupy the number two spot on the lawn enemies list. Only the dandelion is more hated and troublesome. Consider yourself fortunate if you haven't met this stubborn adversary. Here's a mug shot of this all too familiar lawn menace.

Things You'll Need

• Weed sample
• Garden trowel or weed digger

Instructions

1. Determine that the plant is a weed. Initial identification of plantain being a weed is easy. A weed is considered to be any undesirable plant in your lawn or garden. While some grass-like weeds can cause confusion, plantain looks nothing like turfgrass. Plantain is a weed.

2. Note the plant's location and growing conditions. Plantain can grow under almost any conditions--moist or dry soil; sun or shade. Plantain is frequently seen by the side of many roadways, pastures and the best kept lawns in the neighborhood. Plantain is an equal opportunity nuisance.

3. Examine the leaves and flowers. Plantain is a broadleaf weed. Buckhorn plantain has long, narrow dark green oval leaves that sometimes curl while broadleaf plantain's are more oval. The leaves of both can reach 8 to 10 inches in length. The tiny white flowers of the plantain are tightly clustered on the ends of tall greenish-white spikes.

4. Observe the plant's growth pattern. The most distinctive characteristic of both plantains is their rosette growth pattern. As the upright weed grows larger it lays flat on the soil or lawn.

Tips & Warnings

• Both plantains bloom from May through September. Plantain seeds form on the flower spikes, but the weed also spreads from new shoots coming off of its roots.