Henbit

Weeds

dead nettle, bee nettle, blind nettle

Lamium amplexicaule

Photos

henbit5.jpg

Henbit is a winter annual that typically invades new seedings and thin turf (prefers nutrient rich soil). As with most winter annual weeds, they are most noticeable in the year of establishment. As turf density increases after renovation, henbit will not persist after the following spring.

Leaves are attached without a petiole to the stem and tend to clasp the stem. Purple flowers are produced on the slender ascending stems.

Seedlings look like creeping and corn speedwell.

  • Crops Affected: turf

    Management

    Henbit is a winter annual with an elevated growing point. Henbit pressure is usually greatest in the first year after renovation. As a winter annual, henbit has nearly completed its lifecycle by the time it is noticed in the spring. Herbicide applications are not recommended as routine mowing and fertilization will prevent henbit from becoming a yearly occurrence.

    Similar Species

    Possible look-alikes for henbit are ground ivy and creeping speedwell. All have scalloped margins (crenate). Henbit leaves are sessile whereas ground ivy and creeping speedwell both have petioles.

    Henbit can also be confused with purple deadnettle (also a winter annual) which is in the same family but tends to have a more leathery appearance with profusely hairly, elongated leaves with a purple color.

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