Scientific name: Plantago lanceolata
Lambs Tongue, also known as Plantain, is a common broadleaf weed that can quickly pop up in lawns, garden beds, and even along roadsides. If you’ve spotted it creeping into your lawn, here’s how to effectively get it under control.
Skip to: Where Does Lambs Tongue Grow? Key Identifying Features of Lambs Tongue, How Does Lambs Tongue Spread? How Can I Remove Lambs Tongue in My Lawn? How Can I Help Prevent Lambs Tongue from Growing in My Lawn?
Where Does Lambs Tongue Grow?
This weed is found across Australia, but most commonly grows in coastal areas. These weed seeds will germinate and spread in Autumn and Winter but can persist year-round due to their hardy perennial nature.
Key Identifying Features of Lambs Tongue:
- Spear-shaped, long, slender leaves.
- Forms in rosettes.
- Strong taproot.
- Slender flowering stems.
- Cylinder-shaped seed heads.
- Mature plants’ stem can grow as tall as 60cm with a small green flower at the ends.
How Does Lambs Tongue Spread?
This weed typically goes to seed from October through to March. This weed is a prolific seeder, with each flower capable of spreading a large number of seeds. Seeds are mostly spread by wind, water runoff, and underfoot.
How Can I Remove Lambs Tongue in My Lawn?
If there is only a small number of these weeds growing in your lawn, you can simply remove them by hand. As this weed does have a taproot, it is best to pull from the centre of the plant, where the taproot will be. If the weed has grown a bit larger, you may need to use a narrow trowel or a long knife to help loosen up the soil around the plant’s taproot.
If there are too many growing to pull out by hand, a dedicated broadleaf herbicide may be required. A great hose-on option is All Purpose Weed Control. To apply, clip onto your hose, turn your tap on and then spray. However, if concentrate products applied through a knapsack or pressure sprayer are preferred, Estate Herbicide is another ideal option.
How Can I Help Prevent Lambs Tongue from Growing in My Lawn?
This weed will commonly grow in areas with compacted soil or where grass growth is weak. In most cases, if you can keep your grass thick and healthy, it should deter this weed.
Some ways to help deter this weed from your lawn include:
- Aerate your area to help alleviate any soil compaction.
- Ensure you are mowing your lawn regularly to help encourage new and consistent growth.
- Stay on top of your lawns fertiliser applications to help your lawn stay thick and healthy.
For more lawn care tips and advice, make sure you check out our other lawn care blogs here.
