Henbit deadnettle, scientifically known as Lamium amplexicaule, is a common winter annual plant frequently classified as a weed in cultivated areas. This plant is a member of the mint family, Lamiaceae, and often appears in lawns, gardens, and agricultural fields when temperatures are cool. While it is generally regarded as an undesirable species in turfgrass and landscaping, its classification is nuanced due to its short life cycle and beneficial ecological roles. For many homeowners and gardeners, the plant’s rapid spread and appearance in early spring lead to its designation as a nuisance requiring management.
Identifying Henbit Deadnettle
Henbit deadnettle possesses several distinct physical characteristics that aid in its identification. Like all members of the mint family, the plant features square, four-sided stems, which can grow to be about 10 to 25 centimeters tall. The leaves are rounded to heart-shaped with scalloped edges and grow oppositely along the stem.
A distinguishing feature is the attachment of the upper leaves, which lack a stalk (petiole) and appear to clasp or wrap directly around the stem. Small, purplish-pink, two-lipped flowers emerge in whorls from the point where these upper leaves meet the stem. This leaf arrangement helps differentiate henbit from its close relative, purple deadnettle (Lamium purpureum), whose leaves are attached by short petioles.
Lifecycle and Growth Habits
Henbit deadnettle is a winter annual, meaning its life cycle is synchronized with cooler temperatures. Seeds germinate primarily in the late summer and fall when soil temperatures drop and moisture is available. The plant establishes itself as a small, low-lying rosette of leaves that survives the winter months.
Once spring arrives and temperatures begin to warm, the plant bolts, growing rapidly to produce upright flowering stems. It flowers and sets seed prolifically in the early spring, often becoming one of the first broadleaf plants to appear. The plant completes its life cycle and dies off naturally by late spring or early summer as the heat intensifies, leaving behind thousands of seeds ready for the next cool season. This growth pattern explains why it is commonly found in areas with thin turf, disturbed soil, or sparse vegetation, as these conditions provide ample space and light for fall germination.
Practical Management and Removal
Managing henbit effectively requires addressing its winter annual life cycle, focusing on prevention in the fall rather than reaction in the spring.
Cultural Control
Non-chemical control methods center on creating a dense, healthy turf that limits the plant’s ability to germinate. Maintaining proper mowing heights, ensuring adequate soil fertility, and watering correctly encourages a thick stand of grass, which physically blocks sunlight from reaching the henbit seeds in the fall.
Manual Removal
For plants that have already emerged, hand-pulling is an effective method, provided it is done before the plant produces seed in the spring. Because a single plant can produce thousands of seeds that remain viable for years, removing them while they are small prevents future infestations. Applying a layer of mulch in garden beds can also suppress germination by blocking light and creating a physical barrier to the soil.
Chemical Control
Chemical control is most effective when utilizing pre-emergent herbicides, which must be applied in the late summer or early fall before the seeds begin to sprout. Products containing active ingredients like Prodiamine or Dithiopyr prevent the seeds from establishing a root system after germination. If plants are already actively growing, post-emergent herbicides are necessary; selective products that combine 2,4-D, MCPP, and Dicamba are commonly used for broadleaf weed control in turfgrass. These post-emergent treatments are most successful when applied in the late fall or very early spring before the plant sets seed.
Nuanced Perspective: Uses Beyond “Weed” Status
While often targeted for removal, henbit deadnettle also serves several beneficial roles. As one of the first plants to flower in the late winter or very early spring, it provides a valuable and early source of nectar and pollen for pollinators. Honeybees and other insects rely on this early forage when few other plants are blooming, helping jump-start their season.
Historically, the plant has been recognized for its edibility and traditional uses. All above-ground parts—leaves, stems, and flowers—are edible and can be consumed raw in salads or cooked like other leafy greens. The flavor is often described as having a mild, slightly sweet, and peppery taste. Additionally, traditional herbal practices have used henbit, which is rich in vitamins A and C, iron, and fiber, for digestive support and as a mild diuretic.