Ribwort Plantain

Plantago lanceolata

General - Ribwort Plantain is a common perennial weed, it can be found in all types of turf and grassland. Like all Plantains they can adapt to tolerate close mowing. This weed is also known as Narrow Leaf Plantain.

Leaves - The leaves are long and narrow with prominent ribs or veins. The leaves grow from a single point and form a flat rosette.

Flowers - The short flowers are bourn on a long stalk, flowering between April and October.

Roots - Ribwort Plantain is a shallow rooting plant with a fibrous root system.

Habitat - This weed can adapt to all types of soil conditions, especially dry, compact soils with a high pH.

Cultural Control - As Plantains grow as individual plants hand weeding will prove successful, taking care to remove the whole plant. Relieving soil compaction with aeration will help prevent this weed. Encouraging a healthy lawn with good lawn care practices will help suppress weed invasion.

Chemical Control - If you go down the chemical route, consider spot treating the weed. Ribwort Plantain is susceptible to most selective weed killers. When applying chemicals follow the manufactures guidelines for the best results.