Integrated Pest Management
Broadleaf Plantain
Plantago major
Broadleaf plantain (John Cardina, The Ohio State University, Bugwood.org)
Broadleaf plantain growth habit (The Ohio State University, Bugwood.org)
Description
- low-growing, densely matted plant with dark green egg-shaped leaves that radiate away from a central point
- large leaves (3 – 7 inches long and 1 – 2 inches wide) have prominent veins and long stalks
- flower stalks are long (4 – 15 inches) and grow upright; the flower/seed head portions of the stalks have a tail-like appearance
- as flower/seed stalks mature, their color turns from greenish yellow to brown
Location
- commonly grows in lawn areas but may also invade adjacent planting beds
Life Cycle
- perennial that spreads by seed; seedlings germinate when soil temperatures reach 50°F and continue through the growing season
- flowers are produced 8 to 15 weeks after germination and plants continue to flower and produce seed from late spring to early fall
IPM Recommendations
- Hand-pull plants in planting beds prior to seed maturation.
- Apply a mulch layer 3 inches deep on planting beds to reduce seed germination.
- Apply repeat applications of an appropriate broadleaf herbicide (2,4-D is most effective on mature plants) and over-seed areas with exposed soil.
- Spot treat foliage with an appropriate post-emergent herbicide.