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University of Missouri

MU Weed Science

Buckhorn Plantain

Plantago lanceolata

Buckhorn Plantain

Buckhorn Plantain

Buckhorn Plantain

Buckhorn Plantain

Buckhorn Plantain

Buckhorn Plantain

Buckhorn Plantain

Buckhorn Plantain

Weed Description
Perennial weed primarily of turfgrass found throughout the continental United States.

Seedlings
Cotyledons resemble a grass emerging, are linear and smooth.

Leaves
All leaves are in a basal rosette. Leaves are linear to lanceolate (5-25 cm long by 1-2.5 cm wide) with veins running the length of the leaf, may be sparsely hairy or without hairs.

Flowers
A spike that is unbranched and leafless to 10 cm long and contains many inconspicuous flowers.

Fruit
A 2-seeded capsule, 3-4 mm long.

Roots
Fibrous roots from a short taproot.

Identifying Characteristics
Narrow, linear leaves from a basal rosette with characteristic flowering spikes typical of a plantain.

Trouble identifying a weed?

For additional assistance identifying weeds, contact Dr. Kevin Braldly, State Extension Weed Scientist (bradleyke@missouri.edu).

Affiliates

MU Extension
Through the innovations and ideals of the University of Missouri, MU Extension improves lives, businesses and communities by focusing on solving Missouri's grand challenges around economic opportunity, educational access, and health and well-being.
CAFNR
College of Agriculture, Food and Natural Resources is changing the core components of society that impact what we eat, where we live and how we'll face tomorrow. CAFNR is at the forefront of research and education, working toward global sustainability.
Plant Science & Technology
The division is the sole academic program in the state to address issues related to plant production, plant protection and plant biology from the laboratory to the field.

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Published by Division of Plant Science & Technology, 52 Agriculture Lab, Columbia, MO 65211