Broad Leaved Plantain

A very common perennial weed of turf surfaces. Its scientific name is Plantago major. It has leaves that are arranged in a rosette fashion; being hairless; a broad-oval shape and with distinct veins, typically 7, but from 5 to 9 might also be present; the leaves often dying over the winter period. The main flowering period is June to October; the flowering stalk, which can typically be up to 150mm in length, does not have a furrow and has a greenish flower head with purplish coloured anthers, although this turns a brown colour following seeding.

Two sub-species P. major ssp major can be found in drier soils, especially those maintained as lawns, whilst P. major ssp intermedia, which is a smaller plant of typically 3 to 5 veins, can be found in coastal saline areas

Its soil preferences are as follows: Soil pH: It is present on a range of acid to calcareous soils, although the species prefers non-acidic soils. Soil Texture preference is a heavier loam, but it will be found over a wide range of soil textures. Soil Moisture: Moist conditions are preferred.