Buckhorn plantain

June 5, 2015

Plantago lanceolata L. Plantaginaceae (Plantain family)

Life cycle

Rosette-forming simple perennial.

Leaves

All leaves originate from a basal rosette. Cotyledons are very narrow and grasslike. Leaves are narrow, linear and elongated with parallel veins and generally smooth leaf margins. Long hairs may be present at the leaf base

buckhorn plantain rosette
Buckthorn plantain rosette.

Stems

No visible aboveground stem. Semi-woody taproot present.

Flowers and fruit

Long, leafless stalks bear dense, cylinder-shaped flowering spikes and fruit. Single flowers are inconspicuous. Fruiting capsules yield two narrowly oval, brown to black, shiny seeds indented on one side.

bracted flower
Buckhorn plantain flowering spike (right).

Reproduction

Seeds and basal shoots.

Buckhorn plantain seedling.

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MSU Extension Integrated Pest Management