Generally, Plantain Grasses grow low to the ground, with green leaves that form a basal rosette. “Basal” refers to the fact that the leaves stem from the base of the plant, and “rosette” indicates the way the leaves overlap, creating a rose-like form. While leaf shape varies with species (broadleaf/narrow leaf), all will have parallel veins. Flower stalks grow from the center of the rosettes, though the location of the flowers on the stalk depends on the species.

The most common species of Plantain Grass Weed to find growing in your yard include Broadleaf Plantain and Narrow Leaf Plantain varieties. Each variety is known by different names. The name you use will depend on your location.

Broadleaf Plantain is commonly referred to as Common Plantain, Cuckoo’s Bread, Dooryard Plantain, Englishman’s Foot, Greater Plantain, Ripple Grass, Snakeweed, Soldier’s Woundwort, and White Man’s Foot.

Narrow Leaf Plantain name variations include Black Plantain, Black Seed Plantain, Buckhorn Plantain, English Plantain Weed, Lamb’s Tongue Plantain, Lanceleaf Plantain, Long Plantain, Narrow-leaved Plantain, Ribgrass, and Ribwort Plantain.

Broadleaf Plantain Grass Identification

Broadleaf Plantain Grass has leathery, medium sized, oval leaves that come to a gentle point and have five main veins running parallel. Leaf stems are stringy when snapped – resembling celery in texture. As mentioned above, they grow in a basal rosette shape (at the plant’s base with leaves that overlap like rose petals) and commonly spread to around 12” wide.

Flower stalks sprout from the centers of the rosettes and grow as tall as 10”. Clusters of small, spiked flowers grow vertically along the stalk and produce a purplish-green stamen from June to September. If you look close enough, you’ll see the triangular flower petals themselves are light brown in color and resemble tissue paper. When they go to seed, spiked fruit the size of a pencil tip will emerge and emit seeds to be dispersed by the wind.

Narrow Leaf Plantain Grass Identification

Narrow Leaf Plantain Weed produces thin, lance-shaped leaves that grow upward and form a nice, tapered tip.

While they grow up to an inch wide, and 12” long, the most important thing to look for is leaf shape and growth pattern (rosette) as the plant can also be significantly smaller. The green leaves are known to have fine, sparse hair (especially on the underside) and 3-5 veins that run parallel to each other.

Tall flower stalks sprout from the center of leaf bundles, but remain leafless themselves. A cylinder of clustered flower spikes will grow in a ring along the flower stalk. The tiny flowers are white with long, white stamens and bulbous anthers (stamen tips).

When the flowers go to seed, you’ll notice them turn tan and papery. At this point, spiked fruit will release two seeds that drop to the ground or get carried by the wind.

A proper PH balance is important to keeping Plantain Grass away from your lawn. While they thrive in areas disturbed by humans, they also do very well in unhealthy, compact soil where it can easily crowd out other plants.

A regular lawn care program that involves PH testing, aeration, herbicides, and a proper watering schedule is important to keep Plantain Weed out. The healthier your grass, the lower the chance that weeds even have an opportunity to sprout. If you happen to find a small Plantain Grass weed growing, it may be worth attempting to gently pull on your own. Give a tug from the base and try to delicately remove the entire tap root.

For help with a larger infestation, or with plants that have already gone to seed, you’ll want a professional.

We’re often asked about the best weed killer for Plantain Grass. If you have an overgrowth of Plantain Grass on your property, your best solution is Senske. We understand Plantain Grass from the inside out and work hard to eradicate it completely, allowing you to get back to enjoying your lawn again.

We identify plantain grass, diagnose the root of the problem, remove plantain from your lawn, and treat your yard so it doesn’t return – all while making your grass healthier.

If you’re concerned about Plantain Grass, or wondering about the Plantain Grass weed variety in your yard, Senske Lawn Care professionals are the professionals you need. Our 75 years of industry experience means we’re experts in Plantain Weed control.