Key identifying traits
- Broadleaf P. has broad,
oval leaves and a waxy surface 3 - 7” long
- Buckhorn P. leaves are
linear to lanceolate and range from 4 - 12” long
- Leaves on both plants
are basal only
- Both have inconspicuous
small white flowers
- Broadleaf flowering
stems grow 5 - 12” tall
- Buckhorn flowering stems
grow up to 18” tall
- Plants are similar in
appearance with the shape and length of leaves being the main
difference
Biology and ecology
- Both are perennials with
a fibrous root system
- Both plants are native
to Europe & are believed to have been introduced by settlers;
one common name is “white man’s foot” as the plantains were
found wherever settlers traveled
- Usually associated with
turf grass but seen along driveways, lawns, some pastures, and
roadsides
- These and many plantains
have a long medicinal and herbal history
Control
Prevention –
Learn to identify plants; know your property; monitor land for new
weeds
Biological –
No known biological control
Cultural –
No single procedure has been successful in controlling plantain in
turf grass; early removal of new seedlings has worked when practiced
diligently
Mechanical –
Mowing is not effective since the leaves are so close to the ground
and flowering heads rapidly regrow; digging out plantain plants must
be done regularly for several years to be successful.
Chemical – widely varied
recommendations by site; refer to the
PNW Weed Management handbook for specific chemical
recommendations
|
Broadleaf plantain,
James H. Miller,
USDA Forest Service, www.forestryimages.org |
