Henbit

About

Henbit is a cool-season mint relative with square stems and pinkish-purple flowers that turns thin lawns and bare fields purple in early spring. It dies out once hot weather comes, but only after dropping plenty of seed.

Also called henbit deadnettle, greater henbit

How to identify it

Look for

Stems are square and often purple-tinged, branching from the base. Leaves come in pairs, are rounded and scalloped, and the upper ones have no stalks and wrap around the stem. Small, tube-shaped, two-lipped pink to purple flowers circle the stem in the upper leaf joints.

Look-alikes

Purple deadnettle has stalked, triangular upper leaves tinged red or purple; ground ivy creeps and roots all along its stems.

Where it grows

Thin lawns, gardens, fields and roadsides, especially moist spots and lawns mowed too short.

When

Seeds sprout in fall (or early spring), plants bloom mostly in early spring, set seed and die as it gets hot.

How it spreads

By seed; lower stems can also root at the joints.

Most common in

What to do, gentlest first

Start at the top. Weed killers are a last step; always read and follow the label.

1. Mow higher and keep turf dense Prevent

   Mowing too short and poor fertilizing open the door; keep grass thick going into fall, when seeds sprout.

2. Pull or hoe before it seeds By hand

   Pull young plants when the soil is moist, or hoe beds in late winter and early spring before the flowers turn to seed.

3. Mulch beds Barrier

   Keep 2 to 3 inches of mulch on beds before fall to block seedlings.

4. Vinegar on young plants Organic spray

   Horticultural vinegar works on small plants with only a few leaves.

   Strong vinegar (over about 11% acetic acid) can burn skin and eyes, so wear gloves and eye protection. It browns any leaves it touches, grass included.

5. Fall pre-emergent or early spring spot spray Conventional spray

   A pre-emergent in early fall stops new seedlings. For plants already up, spot-treat with a lawn product containing 2,4-D, MCPP (mecoprop), dicamba or triclopyr while they are small.

   Read and follow the label. Many lawn weed killers also harm vegetables, flowers and shrubs, so don't let spray drift into beds, and keep dicamba products off the root zones of trees and shrubs.

Uses, wildlife and pets

Edible?

NC State says the leaves, stems and flowers are edible, with a mild, peppery taste. Harvest only from unsprayed ground and be sure it isn't a look-alike.

Not 100% sure? Don't eat it. Never pick from ground that may have been sprayed, or along roads and railways.

For wildlife

It is an important early source of nectar and pollen for honeybees.

Pets

Not listed by the ASPCA.