Description

Broadleaf plantain (Plantago major) is very similar to blackseed plantain. Blackseed plantain leaves are less waxy than those of broadleaf plantain and mostly lacking in hairs. The petiole of blackseed plantain is frequently red-tinged at the base, while that of broadleaf plantain is usually not.

Cultural Control

Perennial broadleaf turf weeds are capable of living more than two years. They thrive in weak, thin turf; golf fairways and roughs; home lawns; playfields; and industrial grounds. Proper turf maintenance is the key to control of this weed. First, select adapted turfgrass cultivars for your area and then properly fertilize, mow, and water to encourage dense growth.

Species Data

• GROWTH SEASON / LIFE CYCLE
  • perennial weed
• GROWTH HABIT
  • rosette
    Figure 1, Figure 2, Figure 3, Figure 4, Figure 5, Figure 6, Figure 7
• LEAFLET NUMBER
  • one
• LEAF MARGIN
  • smooth; sometimes irregularly toothed, wavy
• LEAF HAIRS
  • upper/lower surface; short
• LEAF / LEAFLET SHAPE
  • oval / egg-shaped / elliptical
    Figure 8, Figure 9, Figure 10
• LEAF WIDTH
  • 1 inch to greater than 2 inches
• LEAF VENATION
  • somewhat parallel
• LEAF ARRANGEMENT
  • whorled or basal rosette; leaves lack dark markings like those of blackseed plantain
• ROOT TYPE
  • many fibrous roots arise from the taproot
    Figure 11
• FLOWER COLOR
  • white; inconspicuous