Ribwort Plantain (Plantago lancelota)

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General Information: Ribwort Plantain also known as Narrowleaf Pantain is a common weed on all types of lawn throughout the UK. This perennial weed develops a large fibrous root system making it very drought tolerant.

Leaf: Ribwort Plantain has dark green leaves that are a long, narrow and oval shape, they have distinctive ribs and fine hairs.

Flower: The flowers of this weed can be seen from April through to October. The short flowers are formed on a short spike and are bourn on a long stem.

Preferred habitat: Ribwort Plantain can often be an indication that you have a soil compaction problem as they like alkaline dry and compacted soils.

Control: Hand weeding is ideal if there are only a few plants, taking care to remove all of the root or the weed will regenerate again. Regular mowing will help prevent seed head formation thus prevent spreading. Reducing soil compaction with aeration will help encourage a healthy sward and discourage Ribwort Plantain.

If you have a widespread problem chemicals will be needed. Like other Plantains it should not be a difficult to remove, therefore most selective weed killers available should deal with this weed. Treat again 6 weeks later if necessary, but one application should suffice.

Recommended selective weed killers for Ribwort 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 wellbeing.

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