Henbit (Lamium amplexicaule) is a widespread broadleaf plant commonly encountered in lawns and gardens. This non-native species belongs to the mint family (Lamiaceae). It frequently appears in large, dense patches across turf and open ground, and homeowners often mistake it for other similar-looking weeds. Accurate identification is the first step in successful management.
Physical Characteristics and Identification
Henbit is identified by its unique structural features. Like all members of the mint family, it possesses a distinct square-shaped stem, which may be green or tinged with purple. The leaves are rounded or heart-shaped with scalloped edges and grow in opposite pairs along the stem.
The attachment of the leaves to the stem is a distinguishing feature. Lower leaves are attached by small stalks (petioles), but the upper leaves lack these stalks and directly wrap around the stem, a characteristic known as sessile or amplexicaul. Small, tubular flowers, typically pink or purplish-red, bloom in whorls in the axils of these upper, clasping leaves. This sessile arrangement differentiates henbit from its close look-alike, purple deadnettle (Lamium purpureum), which has petioled leaves all the way up the stem.
Life Cycle and Preferred Growing Conditions
Henbit is classified as a winter annual, completing its life cycle during the cooler months. Seeds typically germinate in late summer or early fall when soil temperatures drop. The young plants establish a small rosette that overwinters, remaining green and growing slowly throughout the cold season.
In early spring, the plant begins rapid growth, flowering profusely and producing seeds. It thrives in disturbed areas, thin turf, and rich, moist soil. Once the heat of late spring and early summer arrives, the plant completes its life cycle, sets seed, and dies. A single plant can produce over 2,000 seeds, which remain viable in the soil for several years, ensuring its return the following season.
Control and Removal Methods
Effective control relies on understanding henbit’s winter annual life cycle and the timing of fall germination. Cultural control methods focus on strengthening the lawn. Maintaining a dense, healthy turf through proper fertilization, appropriate mowing height, and deep watering prevents light from reaching the soil surface, making it difficult for henbit seeds to establish.
For mechanical removal, hand-pulling is viable for small infestations, especially when the soil is moist to ensure the entire root system is removed. In garden beds, a three-inch layer of mulch suppresses seed germination and acts as a physical barrier. Mechanical control is less effective once the plant has flowered and set seed, as removal can scatter seeds further.
Chemical management is most effective when strategically timed. Pre-emergent herbicides are best applied in late summer or early fall before germination, creating a chemical barrier. Post-emergent broadleaf herbicides, often containing 2,4-D or dicamba, should be applied in the fall or very early spring while the plants are actively growing. Treating the plants before they flower prevents them from producing new seeds and continuing the cycle.
Edibility and Other Uses
Henbit is a non-toxic plant that can be used as a wild edible green. The leaves, stems, and flowers can be consumed raw in salads or cooked like a potherb. It is quite nutritious, containing vitamins and minerals, including iron, calcium, and vitamins A and C.
The taste is generally described as mild, fresh, and slightly peppery, sometimes compared to celery or raw kale. Henbit also plays a positive ecological role as one of the earliest sources of pollen and nectar in the spring. This makes it a valuable food source for early-season pollinators, particularly honeybees and hummingbirds, when few other plants are in bloom.