Plantain Control for Turf

Broadleaf and buckhorn plantain are rosette-forming perennial weeds that tolerate mowing and compacted soil.

How to Identify Plantain

Broadleaf plantain has wide oval leaves with strong parallel ribs; buckhorn plantain has narrow lance-shaped leaves. Both produce upright seed stalks from a central crown.

Why It Appears in Turf

Compaction, traffic, low fertility, and thin turf favor establishment. Thick crowns and fibrous roots allow mature plants to survive mowing.

Make the Site Less Favorable

• Maintain the recommended mowing height and avoid scalping.
• Correct irrigation, drainage, compaction, fertility, or shade problems that thin desirable turf.
• Repair bare areas and use adapted turf cultivars to close openings where seedlings establish.

Choosing a Turf Herbicide

Use the products below as a starting point, then match the herbicide to the desirable turf species and the weed's growth stage. Preemergence products must be applied and activated before germination; postemergence products work best on small, actively growing weeds. Repeat applications may be needed where the label allows.

Label note: Confirm the desirable turf species, use site, target weed, application timing, rate, adjuvant directions, and reseeding restrictions on the current label before use.