Crop Protection Online > Pests - Weed biology<br> <sub>Agro-region: Denmark</sub> - Plantago lanceolata L.

Crop Protection Online

1.12 2024

Weed biology
_{Agro-region: Denmark}

Plantago lanceolata L.

Can be mistaken for

Polygonum aviculare L., which has somewhat smaller dicotyledon leaves and true leaves.

Spergula arvensis L., which has thread-shaped true leaves..

Characteristics

Cotyledons
Very long and almost threadlike. Entire leaf margins. Unstalked. Smooth surface. Length approx. 20-30 mm.

True leaves
Lancet-shaped with entire leaf margins. Unstalked. The surface is usually smooth. Length approx. 20-60 mm. The first true leaves of plants that are germinated from tap roots resemble the true leaves of young seedlings.

Mature plant
Ribwort plantain is a medium-sized plant with its true leaves joined in a basal rosette. The flowers are joined in spike-like perianths on 10-40 cm high, erect stalks. The diameter of the flower is less than 1 mm. Seed production: Up to approx. 1,500 seeds per plant.

Seed
Almond-shaped. One side is domed, the other shaped like a trough with a small rise at the bottom. Slightly granular surface. Thousand grain weight approx. 1.6 g.

Biology

Propagation and dispersal
Through seeds and tap roots.

Habit
Perennial.

Importance

The species is sometimes found in both annual and perennial crops throughout Denmark, but it is especially common in meadows. In meadows it can cause some damage; otherwise it has usually no particular importance as a weed.

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Taxonomy

Plantaginaceae.

Names in different languages

Danish :	Vejbred, lancet
German :	Spitzwegerich
English :	Ribwort Plantain
Latin :	Plantago lanceolata L.
Norwegian :	Smalkjempe
Swedish :	Svartkämpar

Seedling

Early stage

Flower

Mature plant

Seeds

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Weed biology Agro-region: Denmark