Buckhorn plantain Plantago lanceolata L.
Family: Plantaginaceae (Plantain family)
Life cycle: Perennial, reproducing by seed
Native status: Native to Africa, Asia and Europe
Habitat: Turf, landscapes, pastures
General description: Basal rosette of narrow, parallel-veined leaves. Leaves reach lengths up to 10 in long and 1-2 in wide. Flowers form on leafless, unbranched stems up to 1 ft tall; flowers tightly clustered in a spike up to 2 in long.
Key ID traits: Rosette of narrow leaves; flower spike on long stalk.
Similar species: The long lanceolate leaves distinguish buckhorn plantain from the other common broadleaf species common in Iowa, broadleaf and blackseed.
Miscellaneous: Due to its sensitivity to 2,4-D and other growth regulator herbicides, buckhorn plantain is much less common in turf than it formerly was. Classified as a noxious weed in Iowa (although I’m not sure why)
Meaghan Anderson Field Agronomist in Central Iowa
Meaghan Anderson is a field agronomist in central Iowa and an extension specialist at Iowa State University Extension and Outreach. Educational programming is available for farmers, agribusinesses, pesticide applicators, certified crop advisors, and other individuals interested in crop ...