Greater Plantain

What is it?

Greater Plantain, also known as Plantago Major, is a common perennial that is commonly found in grassy areas such as lawns, roadsides, footpaths and fields. It has large oval shaped leaves with distinct ribs. Its flower is a prominent, straw looking stem that reaches toward the sky. This weed is seen as very drought resistant due to its fibrous roots. Due to its large leaves it can cause problems by shading other plants and grasses below it. It is most common to see the Great Plantain flower during the months between May and October. Interestingly, it is also used in a number of medicinal applications such as for use on burns, stings, and sores to prevent infection.

When do they flower?

May – October

Treatment and Control

Culturally

This weed is probably one of the easiest to get rid of. Use a hoe or blunt blade to remove most of the plant. Unlike other more persistent weeds, if some/part of the weed remains it will die off once the bulk has been removed.

Chemically

There are different weed killers available on the market today, it does just depend on how heavily affected your garden is. We thought we’d make it slightly easier and provide a bit of advice for small areas (where you may have the odd unsightly weed) and larger areas (where it’s an overgrown area, vastly populated by the overpowering little blighters).

Small Areas: Glyphosate, applied sparingly with spray (be wary of overspray), sponge or paint brush.

Larger Areas: Use selective weed killer such as Verdone Extra as it targets the weed, not the lawn.

Did you know?

• To utilise Greater Plantain for its medicinal properties, one can place a few leaves in a bowl, crush the leaves and apply to areas in need of soothing. This can be for ailments such as insect bites, stings, sunburn and skin conditions (Eczema).