Pasture Management
for
Horses

Growth Habit

Perennial. The broad leavead plantain has rounded leaves which lay flat on the ground while the ribwort plantain has narrower leaves which grow more upright.

Encouraged by

Bare land.

Physical Control

Encourage good grass growth and avoid over grazing

Chemical Control

Both MCPA and 2,4-D can be effective but grass growth to compete with the plantains would be required.

Toxicity

None, the ribwort plantain is considered to be a useful herb.

Beneficial Characteristics

Ribwort plantain has been shown to contain useful levels of protein and minerals (particularly calcium, magnesium, sodium, phosphorus, zinc, copper and cobalt). The plants also contain anti-oxidents and anti-inflammatory compounds.

Plantains are palatable to horses and may be selctively grazed before grasses or legumes.
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