Buckhorn Plantain (Plantago lanceolata)
Buckhorn plantain is a cool season perennial that reproduce by primarily by seeds. It forms a spreading or upright basal rosette of narrowly oval leaves that grow above a long, sturdy taproot with lateral branches. 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. 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 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
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.
