How To Get Rid Of Plantain Buckhorn
Plantain buckhorn (Plantago lanceolata) is a common weed found in lawns, gardens, and many other places around your home where grass tends to grow. These annoying weeds look similar to broadleaf plantains but have long stems with sharp points at the ends. They are a tough and difficult weed to get rid of and can take over if not dealt with quickly. In this guide, we’ll detail buckhorn plantain control, as well as prevention, identification, and inspection.
Key Takeaways
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Plantain buckhorn is also sometimes known as Starweed or narrow-leaved plantain.
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This perennial weed has lance-shaped leaves that curve upward and feature tightly packed flowers.
Plantain Buckhorn Identification And Inspection
Characteristics Of Plantain Buckhorn
Buckhorn plantain, plantago lanceolata, as it's sometimes also known, is an easily recognizable perennial weed featuring dark green and narrow lance-shaped leaves with prominent veins.
Its flower stalks can reach up to 18 inches in length, culminating at the end of which forms a tightly clustered bunch resembling a bullet shape. Broadleaf plantain, plantago major, is a close relative of this weed with a few key differences. Lacking broadleaf plantain's ability to withstand traffic makes it more vulnerable compared to its relative species. Like many broadleaf weeds, they feature short, thick, and woody tap roots.
Plantain Buckhorn Inspection
Luckily, inspecting for plantain buckhorn is straightforward, and you can easily recognize it from the other weeds found in your yard. You'll find them actively growing and flowering from April through October in disturbed areas, compacted soil, fields, lawns, and pastures.
You may also spot plantain buckhorn on the sides of railroads or streets. This tough perennial weed is found throughout the entirety of the continental United States, so whether you're in Florida or North Dakota, this weed may show up in your lawn.
Control Plantain Buckhorn
How To Get Rid Of Plantain Buckhorn
To stop Plantago lanceolata (plantain buckhorn) from taking root, proper lawn and landscaping practices are essential. Careful mowing and irrigation will create thick grass growth that inhibits weed spread. Pulling the weeds by hand can be effective for existing plants - however, this runs the risk of dispersing potentially thousands of seeds to other parts of your property!
For optimal results when dealing with a heavy infestation of plantain buckhorn weeds in your lawn, treat the entire area rather than spot spraying. Utilizing a selective weed killer concentrate will ensure effective removal and future prevention of these invading perennial weeds.
View our safe products for your specific variety of grass:
Plantain Buckhorn Selective Herbicide Recommendations
Bonide Poison Ivy & Brush Killer BK-32 Concentrate: Bonide Poison Ivy & Brush Killer BK-32 Concentrate is the perfect choice for getting rid of plantain buckhorn and other weeds that threaten your lawn's beauty.
This herbicide quickly and easily takes care of tough woody plants without causing any harm to trees or ornamental landscaping, giving you a beautiful yard in one simple application! Get rid of over 240 different weed types - including invasive species like Poison Ivy and Kudzu - with this powerful solution.
Celsius WG Herbicide: Celsius WG Herbicide is aptly named after the temperature degree "Celsius (°C)." This herbicide stands out from many others because it provides reliable control in extreme conditions, such as when temperatures exceed 90 degrees. With an effective combination of three active ingredients - Thiencarbazone-methyl 8.7%, Iodosulfuron-methyl-sodium 1.9%, and Dicamba 57.4%, Celsius WG provides broad-spectrum weed control.
Celsius works across southern grasses like St Augustine without fear of damaging turf. This post-emergent herbicide delivers on its promise even under harsh heat that would otherwise impede alternative treatments!
Non-Selective Herbicide Recommendations
Warning on non-selective herbicides: Non-selective herbicides will kill any green, living plant material they come in contact with. Be very careful when spraying around trees and ornamentals to avoid killing them or damaging their growth.
Eraser 41% Weed Killer Herbicide: Eraser is an effective herbicide solution for a range of plant types, from annual weeds to trees. It works quickly upon contact and contains 41% glyphosate plus surfactant for maximum performance.
No additional mixing or solutions are required! Eraser's non-selective action means it'll take out grasses and undesirable vegetation, such as weeds like plantain buckhorn, with ease.
Plantain Buckhorn Prevention
Proper lawn care practices are essential for preventing the growth of pesky plantain buckhorn. Aerating, fertilizing, and mowing can create ideal soil conditions that discourage this weed from taking over your yard.
With some simple routine maintenance, you can enjoy a beautiful green lawn free from plantain buckhorn.
Recommended Plantain Buckhorn Prevention Products
Hi-Yield Weed & Feed 15-0-10: Keep your lawn looking beautiful with Weed & Feed 15-0-10. This post-emergent herbicide helps control broadleaf weeds like Chickweed, Dandelion, Plantain Buckhorn, and Knotweed.
Apply to Bermuda, Centipede, Bahia, Bluegrass, or Perennial Ryegrass for maximum effect. A single 18 lb bag is enough to cover 5,000 sq ft of grass when used in a drop spreader or broadcast rotary spreader.
Do-It-Yourself Pest Control Can Help You Eliminate Plantain Buckhorn
The experts at Do-It-Yourself Pest Control understand how frustrating it can be to deal with lawn weeds like plantain buckhorn, which often spread quickly. Fortunately, our experienced team of lawn care experts will assess your situation and recommend a treatment plan that controls broadleaf weeds efficiently.
We offer a variety of chemical control options, including broadleaf herbicides that are proven to target plantain weeds and provide long-term results. With the help of our lawn care experts at Do-It-Yourself Pest Control, you can be sure that you'll find a solution to effectively rid your lawn of plantain buckhorn.
If you have any questions about how to get rid of plantain buckhorn or lawn care in general, our team of experts is here to help. Reach out to us with any inquiries, and we'll be happy to provide plantain buckhorn control advice and guidance. Whether it's a broadleaf herbicide product or helpful tips, you can be sure that we'll do our best to help you get your lawn looking its finest.
Don't let plantain buckhorn take over your yard. With the right knowledge and lawn care products, you can easily get rid of this troublesome weed for good.


