Buckhorn Plantain (Narrowleaf Plantain) (Plantago lanceolata): Identification & Selective Herbicide Matrix
Quick Agronomic Summary
Auxin herbicides containing 2,4-D and Triclopyr (TZone SE or SpeedZone) deliver 90%+ control between 55°F and 80°F.
- Diagnostic Marker 1: Long, narrow, lanceolate leaves arranged in a rosette with distinct parallel ribs
- Diagnostic Marker 2: Small clusters of fine hairs at the base of the leaf petiole
- Diagnostic Marker 3: Thick, short cylindrical flower heads sitting atop tall, grooved stalks
What is the best weed killer for Buckhorn Plantain?
Auxin herbicides containing 2,4-D and Triclopyr (TZone SE or SpeedZone) deliver 90%+ control between 55°F and 80°F.
Buckhorn is slightly more tolerant of 2,4-D than Broadleaf Plantain, so adding Triclopyr or Fluroxypyr ensures complete root kill without regrowth.
When to treat Buckhorn Plantain?
Autumn is the optimum spray window when plants translocate systemic chemicals to deep taproots.
Treat before flower stems mature and drop seed in mid-to-late summer.
EPA-Registered Herbicides Labeled for Buckhorn Plantain (Narrowleaf Plantain)
The table below compares all selective herbicides in our database that control Buckhorn Plantain (Narrowleaf Plantain), including active ingredient groups, application temperature limits (°F), and surfactant requirements.
| Brand Name & EPA Reg. | Active Ingredient & WSSA Group | Temp Window (°F) | Surfactant & Mixing Protocol | Where to Buy |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Tenacity EPA Reg. 100-1267 |
Mesotrione 40% Group 27 (HPPD Inhibitor) |
55°F – 85°F Rainfast: 6h |
Always apply with Non-Ionic Surfactant (NIS) at 1 tsp (5 mL) per gallon of water for post-emergent applications. Causes temporary white bleaching on susceptible weeds and turf tips. | Check Price at DoMyOwn View on Amazon |
| SpeedZone Lawn Weed Killer EPA Reg. 2217-833 |
2,4-D 28.57%, Mecoprop-p 5.88%, Dicamba 1.71%, Carfentrazone-ethyl 0.62% Group 4 + Group 14 (Synthetic Auxins + PPO Inhibitor) |
50°F – 85°F Rainfast: 3h |
Do NOT add surfactant. Adding NIS or MSO increases ester volatility and causes severe contact burn on desirable cool-season turf. | Check Price at DoMyOwn View on Amazon |
| TZone SE EPA Reg. 2217-920 |
Triclopyr 7.72%, 2,4-D 29.36%, Dicamba 2.22%, Sulfentrazone 0.66% Group 4 + Group 14 (Pyridine Auxin + Phenoxy + PPO Inhibitor) |
50°F – 80°F Rainfast: 3h |
Do NOT mix with surfactant when temperatures exceed 75°F. In cool spring or fall conditions (55°F–70°F), 0.5 tsp NIS per gallon improves waxy leaf penetration on Wild Violet. | Check Price at DoMyOwn View on Amazon |
| Celsius WG EPA Reg. 432-1507 |
Thiencarbazone-methyl 8.7%, Iodosulfuron-methyl-sodium 1.9%, Dicamba 57.4% Group 2 + Group 4 (ALS Inhibitors + Benzoic Acid Auxin) |
65°F – 95°F Rainfast: 4h |
Apply with Non-Ionic Surfactant (NIS) at 1 tsp per gallon of water. Specifically engineered not to stunt warm-season turf during summer heat up to 95°F. | Check Price at DoMyOwn View on Amazon |
Turfgrass Compatibility Matrix for Buckhorn Plantain (Narrowleaf Plantain) Herbicides
Always verify that your chosen herbicide is safe for your specific lawn grass before broadcast spraying:
| Herbicide | KBG | Tall Fescue | Ryegrass | Bermuda | St. Aug | Zoysia | Centipede | Bahia |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Tenacity | SAFE | SAFE | SAFE | AVOID ACTIVELY GROWING | SOD PRODUCTION ONLY | DAMAGE RISK | SAFE | AVOID |
| SpeedZone Lawn Weed Killer | SAFE | SAFE | SAFE | SAFE | AVOID | SAFE | AVOID | SAFE |
| TZone SE | SAFE | SAFE | SAFE | DAMAGE RISK | AVOID | SAFE | AVOID | AVOID |
| Celsius WG | AVOID | AVOID | AVOID | SAFE | SAFE | SAFE | SAFE | AVOID |
How to Distinguish Buckhorn Plantain (Narrowleaf Plantain) from Lookalike Weeds
| Lookalike Species | Key Botanical & Diagnostic Difference |
|---|---|
| Broadleaf Plantain | Broadleaf plantain has broad, oval leaves, whereas Buckhorn has slender, pointed, strap-like leaves. |