Growing Buckhorn Plantain

Typical plant growing in disturbed site.

Buckhorn Plantain leaf

The leaves are long narrow, veins with 3 to 5 obvious.
 

Buckhorn Plantain Flower

The flowers form a ring at the base of the spike and open sequentially. (Photo by S. Donaldson.)

Buckhorn Rosettes

Rosettes grow close to the ground. (Photo by W. Hanson Mazet)

 

Buckhorn Plantain Seedlings.

 

Other common names

Narrow‐leaf plantain, ribwart plantain, English plantain, ribgrass.

Scientific name

Plantago lanceolata

Family

Plantaginaceae

Description

A perennial that has long stems with flowering spikes, buckhorn plantain can be differentiated from broadleaf plantain by its long, narrow leaves and shorter flower spike at the end of a longer stalk.

  • Leaves

    Narrow with sharp tips, 3 to 12 inches long from the base of the plant. Leaves usually have short hairs and 3 to 5 prominent parallel veins. Leaves grow in a rosette (ground‐hugging form; see photo bottom right).

  • Stems

Very short, at the base of the plant. May not be noticeable.

  • Flowers

Small and whitish, in 1‐ to 2‐inch‐long spikes along 12‐ to 18+‐inch‐long bare stalks. The flowers open in a ring at the base of the spike and open progressively to the tip, giving a characteristic donut appearance. Blooms from late spring through summer.

  • Roots

Taproot; can be branched.

Native to

Europe; naturalized over much of the United States

Where it grows

Roadsides, lawns, gardens, vacant lots, cultivated fields, pastures and other disturbed sites.

Life cycle

Perennial (grows back each year from the roots)

Reproduction

Produces seed and regrows from the roots.

Control methods

Control of plantains can be difficult once they have become established, as plants can regrow from the crown. Continual monitoring and removal of new seedlings is essential to minimize spread.

 

  • Mechanical

    Dig, hoe or pull repeatedly, removing as much of the root as possible. Use mechanical control methods prior to formation of flowers. Mulching with landscape fabric or more than 3 inches of organic mulch can be effective in controlling seedlings but will not control mature plants. Mowing is not effective, as plants will regrow and flower close to the ground.

    Cultural

    Plant desirable vegetation that will shade the area and reduce germination and growth of young plants. For infestations in turf, keep the grasses as healthy and competitive as possible by aerating, mowing high and watering properly. Prevent the spread of seeds by clipping blooms.

    Biological

    None

    Chemical

    Apply broadleaf‐selective herbicides on young plants in the fall for best results.

References

DiTomaso, J.M. and E.A. Healy. 2007. Weeds of California and Other Western States. University of California Publication 3488.

Elmore, C.L., D.W. Cudney and M.E. McGiffin. Jr. 2007. Plantains. UC Davis ANR Publication #7478, http://www.ipm.ucdavis.edu/PMG/PESTNOTES/pn7478.html.

Wall, A. and R. Whitesides. 2008. Buckhorn Plantain. Utah State University Cooperative Extension, Ag/Weeds/2008‐01pr, http://extension.usu.edu/files/publications/publication/AG_Weeds_2008%E2%80%9001pr.pdf.

Whitson, Tom D. (editor). 2002. Weeds of the West. University of Wyoming, Jackson, Wyoming.

Donaldson, S. and Hanson Mazet, W. 2010, A Northern Nevada Homeowner’s Guide to Identifying and Managing Buckhorn Plantain, Extension | University of Nevada, Reno, FS-10-18
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Learn more about the author(s)

Wendy Hanson Mazet
Wendy Hanson Mazet
 

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