What Is the Plantain Weed?

Habitat

• Buckthorn plantain is also referred to as ribwart plantain, English plantain or ribgrass. Other common names for broadleaf plantain include dooryard plantain and common plantain. Both weeds constitute major problems in waste areas and pastures. The weeds also frequently infest forages and legumes as well as turf and ornamental plantings in landscapes. Buckthorn and broadleaf plantain weeds are native to Europe.

Description

• Broadleaf plantain is a low-growing plant with egg-shaped, thick foliage with wavy edges. The gray-green foliage is 2 to 10 inches long. The weed produces cylindrical spikes of seed heads on tall stalks between May and September. The seeds spread and germinate rapidly in moist soil. Buckthorn plantain has narrow, oval, ribbed foliage measuring 3 to 12 inches long and about 1 ½ inches wide. The plants grow from deep taproots. The 1- to 2-inch long flowers grow in dense spikes.

Favorable Conditions

• The seeds of both weeds germinate very close to the soil surface in moist ground. Germination starts in soil temperature of 50 degrees Fahrenheit and continues to improve as temperatures rise. The optimal temperature for germination is 77 degrees. The seeds germinate all throughout the growing season. Germination slows as the weather cools down.

Control

• Manually remove the seedlings in cases of lighter infestation. Start control of the weed before the production of seed heads. Maintain healthy, dense grass to discourage weed growth in turf. Chemical control options include the use of products containing 2, 4-D, triclopyr, mecoprop or MCPA. 2, 4-D is recommended for established weeds. Repeat applications of herbicides are required for long term control. Use glyphosate for spot treatment of weed. Use landscape fabrics as mulch in ornamental planting to discourage weed seeds. Isoxaben is recommended as a pre-emergent control strategy for plantain.