Buckhorn plantain 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" wide and 8" 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 inflorescence's resemble a bullet. The flower stalks are 6" — 30" tall, and the flowers occur during May to October.
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.
Hand pulling is a simple, practical approach for small areas. Improve the health and density of the lawn by fertilizing at the right time and with the correct amount; maintaining an appropriate soil pH; mowing at the recommended height; and watering properly. Apply a 2" — 3" layer of mulch to ornamental bed areas to suppress germinating weed seeds. Post emergence herbicides are available depending on the kind of turfgrass in your lawn. Optimum timing of post emergence herbicides is mid autumn.
