Bucks-horn plantain (Plantago coronopus)

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General Information: Bucks-horn Plantain is very common on coastal sites where the soil is very sandy and free draining. This weed is also known as Starweed. Bucks-horn plantain is a perennial plant and can tolerate close mowing due to it's flat rosette and low growing habit. It has a long tap root and can be a major problem where favourable growth conditions apply.

Leaf: The long thin leaf which can be smooth or hairy has irregular toothed edges. See picture to the left.

Flower: Bucks-horn plantain flowers can be seen from May to October. Flowers are typical of plantains with a short spike that is bourn on a short stalk.

Preferred habitat: As previously mentioned this weed is very common on dry, sandy coastal sites especially those made from Cumberland turf.

Control: Hand weed is possible if there are only a few individual plants, taking care to remove the tap root. Like most weeds Bucks-horn Plantain can be discourage by maintaining a healthy turf vigour. Regular mowing will help prevent the seed heads from forming.

For a large infestation a selective herbicide will have to be used. As this weed is very susceptible to many selective herbicide ingredients most products will control Bucks-horn Plantain. A single application us usually enough to control this weed, however apply 6 weeks later id necessary. Our weed control page has many tips on applying selective herbicide's.

Recommended selective weed killers for Bucks-horn Plantain.

Verdone Extra (fluroxypyr, clopyralid & MCPA).
Westland lawn weed killer (2,4-D, mecoprop-p & dichlorprop-p).
Westland lawn feed, weed & moss killer (2,4-D & mecoprop-p) includes a fertiliser.
Westland Resolva lawn weed killer (MCPA, mecoprop-p & dicamba).
Vitax green up lawn weed & feed (2,4-D & dicamba) includes a fertiliser.
Vitax green up lawn weed & feed + moss killer (2,4-D & mecoprop-p) includes a fertiliser.
Vitax lawn clear (fluroxypyr & mecoprop-p)
Doff lawn spot weeder (2,4-D, mecoprop-p& dichlorprop-p).
Evergreen Complete (MCPA, mecoprop-p).
Evergreen feed + weed liquid (MCPA, mecoprop-p & dicamba) includes a fertiliser.

Selective weeds killers should be applied when the weeds are actively growing. This is usually between April and October avoiding periods of drought.

When applying chemicals to lawns always follow the manufacturers application recommendations for the best results and the health and safety guidelines for your own safety.

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