henbit

Henbit (Lamium amplexicaule) is a flowering plant in the mint family (Lamiaceae) native to Europe and Asia and widely naturalized in North America. It is an annual or short-lived biennial herb that commonly appears as a weed in lawns, gardens, and disturbed soils.

Description and morphology: Henbit forms low, sprawling mats up to about 15–25 cm tall. Stems are square and branched. Leaves are opposite, rounded to kidney-shaped with scalloped margins, and often clasp the stem (amplexicaul). The plant produces dense clusters of small pink to purple flowers in the upper leaf axils, arranged in whorls. Flowers are tubular and about 6–8 mm long. Henbit is often confused with purple dead-nettle (Lamium purpureum), which has somewhat different leaf shape and flower coloration.

Habitat and life cycle: It germinates in cool, moist soils and thrives in lawns, gardens, fields, and other disturbed areas. It blooms in spring and early summer, producing seeds that help it spread and persist in favorable conditions.

Ecology and impact: Henbit is a common weed that competes with grasses and other vegetation for water and nutrients. It provides nectar for bees and other pollinators during its flowering period.

Uses and cautions: Young leaves are edible and have been used as a leafy green in some cuisines, either cooked or raw in moderation. Flavor is mild but becomes bitter as plants mature. As with many wild greens, consumption should be moderate, and individuals should ensure correct identification to avoid eating similar-looking plants that may be less desirable.

Management: In lawns, henbit can be managed by maintaining dense turf and mowing before flowering, removing flowering stalks to prevent seed set, and using appropriate pre-emergent or post-emergent broadleaf herbicides when needed.