Henbit (Lamium amplexicaule L.)

About Henbit:

Henbit is an extremely common lawn weed that invades vegetable and flower gardens. It is an annual or winter annual plant that reproduces through the spread of their seeds. You can find this particular weed in Canada, the United States, Australia, South America, Greenland and western Asia. It struggles with the heat, so will most likely appear between the months of February and June in light, dry soil. Interestingly enough, Henbit has an edible stem, flowers and leaves that can be used in teas, salads and soups.

Family: Mint family (labiatae)

Henbit Scouting and Prevention:

There are a few distinguishing features of Henbit. Their leaves grow opposite to one another with the upper leaves clasping to the square-like stems and have straight branching. A pink or purple cluster of flowers grows where the stem and leaf attach. When scouting for Henbit, it is most likely to be found in gardens, wastelands, ditches, and along roadsides. It stands about 6 inches tall and 1 foot or more across. The best way to prevent this pesky weed from growing on your property is to use pre-emergent herbicides before germination, which typically happens in September.

Henbit Control:

If you missed the pre-emergent stage of the plants life, you can use a broadleaf post emergence herbicide such as Trimec or Weed-B-Gon. The most important part about keeping the plant in control after it has emerged is making sure you put the herbicide on before the Henbit flowers and releases its seeds. Putting mulch 3 inches deep on gardens is another great way to prevent Henbit from appearing.

Latin / Alternative Henbit names:

• - Lamium amplexicaule L.
• - Lamier amplexicaule
• - Pian de poule

Additional Henbit Resources