The enemy: Broadleaf plantain (Plantago major L.)

It’s a short growing perennial plant from Eurasia that has fibrous roots and invades our lawns, pastures, gardens and roadsides.This is probably the second most abundant weed in lawns and pastures.

It is not noticed until the long, narrow, dense spike of very small flowers are developed and are the length of the stem supporting it.This spikelet of flowers is on a single stem of which is 3 to 6 inches above the plant.

The flowers produce a blackish seed that spreads quite easily. Unlike narrowleaf plantain, this has very broad to almost round shaped leaf with heavy parallel veins running from the attachment of the stem to the tip of the leaf.

Although this plant has an array of medicinal uses it and is edible in the early spring, it is very aggressive in moist areas and is a constant problem in lawns and fields where flood irrigation is utilized. As it is not the most desirable forage (livestock will graze the grasses first and eat this last only when they have to) it spreads quickly through the invaded sites. It also makes lawns rough and bumpy. Mostly, it removes the valuable nutrients and water that the more desirable plants need for survival.

The defense

Mechanical removal is effective if you only have a plant or two. Unfortunately the plant often gets noticed after it has become a full invasion. Herbicides are the most effective. In the lawn try Trimec or Speedzone type herbicides. Fall (after the killing frost is best) spraying, as with many perennial weeds, is one of the best times to treat this invader.

In pastures I really like a product called Opensight at 3.3 ounces per acre. Tordon 22K or Banvel plus 2,4-D based products can be effective early in the spring or late fall.

In an extreme measure, switching from flood irrigation to sprinkler irrigation can solve the problem as well. Proper identification is key to addressing this and other weeds so call your local weed professional for help.

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