Posted in Weeds
Identification & Culture:
Broadleaf plantain is a very common weed in lawns, next to dandelion and white clover. It is an annual plant that will reproduce from a taproot much like dandelions as well as from seeds. As its name suggests, broadleaf plantain has very broad, spoon-shaped leaves at the end of small, celery-stalk-like stems. In fact, if you pull these stems apart, fibrous threads will hang from the ends just like celery. Left to grow, broadleaf plantain produces long seed stalks topped by miniature cattail-like seed masses.
Broadleaf plantain is not easily pulled from the ground because of its thick taproot. Even when treated with a herbicide, broadleaf plantain often has large carbohydrate stores in its roots which allow it to survive. The leaves may shrivel and disappear after herbicide application, but the weed may regrow within a few weeks. For better broad leaf control, look for herbicides that contain 2,4-D, MCCP, and dicamba (found in Trimec®), which is a common three-way blend of active ingredients. It may be necessary to apply this herbicide more than once in the same season.
Broadleaf plantain, taproot and all, can easily be plucked from a lawn with a plucking tool (specialized weed plucking tool or straight screwdriver).
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