The blade merges smoothly into the petiole, which is shorter than that of broadleaf plantain. The base of the leaf stalks and the crown of the plant are covered with tan, woolly hairs. Its dense spike of flowers is about 1 to 2 inches in length and shorter than the spike of broadleaf plantain. Both species are found throughout the state and grow year-round except in the coldest intermountain areas where they are dormant during the coldest months. They produce a fairly weak root system.
Seed germination occurs at or very near the soil surface.
Germination occurs throughout the growing season. Seedling growth is slower in cold weather. The seedling stage can last 8 to 15 weeks, depending on temperature and growing conditions. Flowering begins soon after the seedling stage and continues throughout the life of the perennial plant. Broadleaf plantain can survive for many years, developing a thickened crown 6 to 10 inches across with fibrous roots, whereas buckhorn plantain has a stout taproot.