Broad-leaved Plantain
(Plantago major)

Overview

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Broad-leaved Plantain is a perennial weed with a fibrous root system which also reproduces by seed. It  grows well in summer grain crops, yards and foot traffic areas.

Main description 

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Seedling
The cotyledons of Plantago major are oblong in shape.

Mature plant
The leaves are large, smooth, oval, slightly hairy and slightly waxy. There are 5-7 distinct veins running length-wise through the mature leaves. The flowers grow from non-branched scapes (stalks) which grow from the rosette. Flower heads are slender with non-prominent flowers that grow in bunches in an upright head, which can be up to 20 cm in length. The Plantain’s flowering takes place in spring. The stems that produce flowers range from 12-40 cm and a mature plant ranges from 12-70 cm.

Optimal growth conditions

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This broadleaf weed does well in sunny environments and can be commonly found in compacted soils. It can grow in either moist or dry areas and is common to disturbed areas.