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TYPE
Plantain is a common broadleaf perennial weed. This weed can range from 8 inches tall to 12 inches wide. Plantain has a root system that can penetrate the top 18 inches of soil.
HOW TO IDENTIFY
Plantain has broad, egg-shaped, flat leaves with wavy margins of three or more, defined fibrous parallel veins that form a rosette (a growth resembling a rose). Greenish-yellowish flowers grow within the rosettes that have thin cylinder shaped spikes on the upper end of the stalks.
- NOTE: A healthy plant can produce roughly 14,000 or more seeds per year!
WHERE IT GROWS
This weed grows in well irrigated lawns and gardens in mainly sunlit areas but can tolerate shade.
GROWING SEASON
Plantain seed will germinate at temperatures of 50°F but in heightened temperatures, around 77°F, germination can increase. Seeding stages can last anywhere between 8-15 weeks depending on the temperature.
- NOTE: Plantain can pose a year round problem depending on the area, temperature, and type of turf and soil in which you are located.
HOW TO MANAGE
Use a post-emergence herbicide (Herbicide that can be applied today) and/or, pull, till or hoe them out. Aerating turf as well as allowing soil to dry out between waterings will encourage dense grass and plant populations that will shade the soil and discourage weed growth. Mulching can also help prevent plantain growth in gardens. Overall, the best prevention method for broadleaf plantain and any invasive weed is to maintain healthy, dense turf with a strong root system by adopting a regular lawn care routine including fertilization, soil amendments, proper mowing
and watering as well as aeration
and thatch
management practices.
- Fun Fact: Did you know you can eat plantain? Plantain has a nutty, asparagus-like taste. This weed is loaded with iron and important vitamins and minerals. The leaves are more flavorful when small and tender; larger leaves are more bitter and fibrous but still edible. However, if you would like to eat plantain be sure the weed has never been treated with herbicide or other fertilizers. Fun plantain recipes are available if you search on line.
For professional fertilizers, humic and AMP-XC™ enriched products available, please visit TurfCare’s online Product Catalog.
For green industry professionals or others interested in ordering Turfcare products, please contact our Customer Service
to find a distributor near you.
References:
http://www.bhg.com/gardening/pests/insects-diseases-weeds/types-of-weeds/#page=11
http://www.livescience.com/15322-healthiest-backyard-weeds.html
http://www.ediblewildfood.com/broadleaf-plantain.aspx
https://extension.usu.edu/weedguides/files/uploads/Plantaginaceae.pdf
http://ipm.ucanr.edu/PMG/PESTNOTES/pn7478.html
Turf Care Supply - TurfReport Blog
With a focus on providing sustainable manufacturing and reducing carbon emissions, Turf Care Supply has embraced the electric power market with the latest mobile equipment upgrades. Completed in June 2023, TCS received all deliveries of electric forklifts to all three manufacturing facilities, including Hatfield, MA, Martins Ferry, OH and Sebring, FL.
When handling fertilizers and pesticide it is important to follow suggested guidelines and prioritize safety to protect yourself, others, and reduce environmental impact. Here are some general measures to follow: 1.Read and Follow Instructions: Carefully read and understand the product labels, safety data sheets (SDS), and any accompanying instructions provided by the manufacturer. Follow all recommended guidelines, precautions, and application rates.
It’s common knowledge that applying too much fertilizer containing high percentages of readily available nitrogen and water soluble nutrients can result in burn damage to plants, but did you know that damage can still occur even if your application rate is correct? Applying the right product at the right rate, but at the WRONG time can have disastrous consequences.