Plantago lanceolata
broadleaf weedUSDA zones 3–10Active: spring, summer, fallPerennial with narrow, lance-shaped leaves forming a rosette. More upright than broadleaf plantain. Common in low-fertility lawns.
Narrow, lance-shaped ribbed leaves; bullet-shaped flower heads on long stems; rosette growth; 3-5 prominent veins.
Buckhorn plantain indicates low fertility and compaction. Address both.
When: Core aerate in fall; fertilize per soil test
Use a weed digger to remove taproot. Fill holes with soil and seed.
When: Dig when soil is moist
Standard broadleaf herbicide provides good control.
When: Apply in fall when actively growing
Active ingredient: 2,4-D — e.g. Ortho Weed B Gon, Trimec
Grass safety: always match herbicides to your grass species — products safe on Kentucky bluegrass can kill St. Augustine or centipede. Lawn Guardian checks this automatically against your lawn profile.
Lawn Guardian turns this guidance into a schedule timed to your USDA zone and this week's actual weather — and adapts every time you log what you've done.
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