What Broadleaf Plantain looks like
Rosette of thick, oval, deeply-veined leaves with parallel ridges; tall flower stalk with a dense, pencil-like seed spike.
Photo: Wikimedia Commons
Not sure if it's Broadleaf Plantain?
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Best approach: Spray or dig
Plantain has a fibrous root system that digs out easily with a weeding fork, especially when soil is moist. Great option for small numbers. Spray for widespread patches.
Best products for Broadleaf Plantain
Formulated to kill broadleaf plantain without wiping out your grass — see the timing and chemistry below.
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BioAdvanced All-In-One Weed & Feed (22-0-4)
✓ Kills broadleaf plantainBeginner friendly
Scotts Turf Builder Triple Action1
✓ Kills broadleaf plantainBeginner friendlyPrevents crabgrass for up to 4 months, kills dandelion, clover and other listed broadleaf weeds, and feeds. Apply to wet grass, no more than twice a year. Not for St. Augustine. Its label allows centipede, but centipede does better with a stand-alone weed killer and a lighter feeding.
Scotts Turf Builder Weed & Feed5
✓ Kills broadleaf plantainBeginner friendlyWeed killer plus 26-0-2 lawn food for dandelion, clover and other listed broadleaf weeds. Apply to wet grass. On bahia, wait until mid-April and the third mowing, and make fall applications before Nov 1. Not for St. Augustine. Its label allows centipede, but centipede does better with a stand-alone weed killer and a lighter feeding.
How much do you need?
Herbicide is dosed by lawn size. Pick your yard size for a quick estimate:
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When to treat Broadleaf Plantain
Spray in spring or fall when temperatures are 60–80°F and the weed is actively growing. Avoid summer heat — stressed grass takes collateral damage.
Chemical treatment
Apply a broadleaf herbicide (2,4-D or 2,4-D + dicamba) in spring or fall.
Non-chemical management
Alleviate soil compaction through aeration and maintain dense turf.
How to stop Broadleaf Plantain coming back
Alleviate soil compaction through aeration and maintain dense turf.
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A thick, healthy lawn is the best weed killer there is. Measure your yard on a satellite map in 30 seconds — we'll build a personalized schedule (fertilizer, seed, mowing, weed control) so broadleaf plantain doesn't come back.
Measure my lawn — it's free →FAQ
What does Broadleaf Plantain look like?
Rosette of thick, oval, deeply-veined leaves with parallel ridges; tall flower stalk with a dense, pencil-like seed spike.
What's the best way to kill Broadleaf Plantain?
Spray or dig. Plantain has a fibrous root system that digs out easily with a weeding fork, especially when soil is moist. Great option for small numbers. Spray for widespread patches.
Is Broadleaf Plantain hard to get rid of?
Broadleaf Plantain is rated moderate to control. Consistent treatment over a season usually does the job.
How do I stop Broadleaf Plantain coming back?
Alleviate soil compaction through aeration and maintain dense turf.
Other broadleaf weeds
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