All three plantains are similar in appearance. Their leaves grow in a circular, rosette pattern with seed stalks arising from the center of the rosette. Seedheads are borne on slender stalks 4-12 inches above the leaves. The leaves vary slightly in shape but all have prominent veins which run parallel to the edges of the leaves.

Broadleaf plantain (Plantago major) is the most common plantain and is very similar in appearance to blackseed plantain. The thick, leathery, oval to egg-shaped leaves can be from 2-12 inches long. Seeds are light to dark brown, covered with fine ridges and are borne on stems which can be almost 20 inches tall. This weed species was introduced from Europe.

Blackseed plantain (Plantago rugelii) is found in all but the northwestern part of Minnesota. This plantain prefers damp, rich soils. It is the only native plantain of the three. The egg-shaped leaves are 2-8 inches long, up to 4 inches wide, and usually have wavy edges and conspicuous veins. The easiest way to distinguish this plantain from broadleaf plantain is to look for a purple tinge on stem-like petioles at the base of each leaf blade. Seeds are dark brown to black with an angular scar near the center on one side. Blackseed plantain has rattail-like seedheads born on seed stalks which can be up to 12 inches tall.

Buckhorn plantain (Plantago lanceolata) has long, hairy leaves, 2-12 inches in length, up to 2 inches wide, with 3-5 prominent veins. The cylindrical seedhead is carried at the top of a 6-12 inches tall seed stalk. Seeds are small, brown, shiny, and sticky when damp.

All three plantains have fairly shallow, mostly fibrous roots. In rain-softened or sandy soils, pull or hoe the plants out before they set seed. In thick stands or where pulling is not feasible, frequent mowing will keep the population in check but not eliminate the problem.

If digging is not possible, a broad-leaf herbicide such as 2,4-D may be used once plants are actively growing in spring or fall. Temperatures should range from the low 60's to the low 80's. Fall applied herbicide is more effective as it is moved into the roots by plants as they attempt to store carbohydrates over winter.

If using a liquid herbicide, avoid windy days or those where the temperatures are expected to exceed 85 degrees. Also, do not spray if rain is forecast within the next 48 hours. Some "weed and feed" type fertilizers contain herbicide effective on plantain. They may be applied in the spring or fall following label directions.

The best non-chemical control of plantain is a healthy, vigorously-growing lawn. To reduce compaction, use an aerator in early autumn followed by an application of fertilizer. Around Halloween, make a second application of fertilizer. If a second application is not done in the fall, a spring application can be made in early June. Throughout the growing season, water the lawn any week there is less than 1 inch of rainfall. Lawns on sandy soil also need 1 inch of water per week to grow well but that should be broken down into two waterings per week, each delivering 1/2 inch. In extreme heat, you may need to water 1/2 inch three times weekly on sandy soil.