Johnson County Secondary Roads Buckhorn Weed

Buckhorn Plantain (Plantago lanceolata)

Description: Buckhorn Plantain is a perennial reproducing by seed and shoots from the roots. The roots are shallow, tough, slender rootlets. The stems are slender, erect, leafless, and up to 16 inches tall with a terminal flower spike. The leaves are basal, in a rosette, alternate and simple. They are narrowly oblong-lanceolate, tapering to the petiole and have strong longitudinal veins. The flowers are greenish-white in a short, dense spike. The spike at blooming is egg shaped, tapering at the top. After seed is formed, the top becomes rounded. The seeds are boat shaped and have a glossy brown color. A white scar is evident in the center of the concave side.

Distribution: This weed is found mainly in the Southern half of Iowa. It grows through Johnson County along roadsides, waste places, abused pastures, idle cropland, poorly maintained grasslands, and lawns.

What’s The Problem?: Buckhorn plantain competes with native plant species for light, water, and nutrients. It produces abundant seed if not controlled.

Management Methods: This plant can be adequately controlled with the use of regular mowing to prevent seed production. Controlled burning can be of some use to eliminate seeds and reinvigorate more competitive species. Seeding and improving existing grass stands area also a primary technique to reduce weed populations. Careful use of broadleaf herbicides can also help to kill or stunt buckhorn plantain. Be certain to correctly identify plants and use the proper chemicals at labeled rates. Be sure to read and fully understand chemical labels before usage.

Photo courtesy of Weeds of Nebraska and the Great Plains published by Nebraska Department of Agriculture

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