Broadleaf Plantain

Plantago major

The aptly named Broadleaf Plantain is a perennial broadleaf weed that can sometimes exhibit the behavior of an annual or biennial broadleaf weed. It is also known as Dooryard Plantain, Common Plantain, Plantago asiatica and its scientfic name, Plantago major.

Identify

Rosette

Entire

Elliptical

Broadleaf Plantain is a rosette-forming perennial found in both high- and low-maintenance grasses. The flower of this broadleaf weed consists of long, leafless stalks arising from the rosette. Its leaves are smooth or inconspicuously hairy, and prominent veins run parallel with the margins, which are entire and often wavy. Broadleaf Plantain also has a short taproot with other fibrous roots.

Life Cycle

This broadleaf weed is commonly found growing in gardens, orchards and other undisturbed locations. It can also be found in wet, soggy landscapes where grass and other plants may not be able to flourish—look for it in areas that do not get much sunlight.

Control

Although hand-pulling can be an effective short-term method for removing this broadleaf weed, it is not the most effective solution. Plantago major reproduces by seeds, which are extremely small (less than 1/25 of an inch). Hand-pulling can disrupt the seeds from their pods, spreading them in your lawn.