Unraveling the Secrets: Surprising Facts about Henbit Weed

Henbit (Lamium amplexicaule) is a common winter annual weed that thrives in cool, moist conditions. While its small, purple flowers may seem harmless, this resilient weed can quickly overtake a lawn if not controlled properly. Let’s dive into what henbit is, how to identify it, and most importantly, how to prevent and manage it.

What is Henbit?

Henbit is part of the mint family and can grow up to 16 inches tall. It is known for its square-shaped stems and scalloped leaves. One of the key features that make it stand out is its tiny, purple, tubular flowers, which usually bloom in the spring. Although it can add a splash of color to your yard, henbit is notorious for crowding out desirable turfgrass species.

This weed germinates in the fall, making its presence known throughout the winter and early spring before completing its life cycle. Henbit prefers moist, disturbed areas such as lawns, gardens, crop fields, and roadsides. It thrives in sunny to lightly shaded areas with fertile, well-drained soil.

The name "henbit" comes from the plant’s historical use as a forage crop for poultry. Chickens and other birds would peck at the leaves, enjoying its fresh, green foliage.

How to Identify Henbit

Henbit is often confused with purple deadnettle (Lamium purpureum), a close relative that looks very similar. They have similar leaves and flowers, but purple deadnettle has more of a reddish-purple hue and triangular-shaped leaves, while henbit’s leaves are more rounded.

To correctly identify henbit, look for these distinct features:

• Stems: Square and green to purplish in color.
• Leaves: Opposite arrangement, with lower leaves being heart-shaped and having deep lobes. Upper leaves are smaller and attach directly to the stem.
• Flowers: Small, tubular, purple flowers appear in clusters at the top of the plant.
• Roots: Shallow and fibrous, making it relatively easy to pull out manually.

Why is Henbit a Problem?

Henbit spreads rapidly, especially in bare or thin spots in the lawn. It competes with desirable grasses for nutrients, water, and sunlight, leading to unhealthy, patchy turf. Although it may die off in late spring as temperatures rise, it can leave behind seeds that germinate the following fall, perpetuating its growth cycle.

Strong Seed Dormancy: Henbit seeds can remain dormant in the soil for years, waiting for favorable conditions to germinate. This resilience makes it a persistent problem if not managed properly.

Adaptability: Henbit can grow in a variety of conditions, from lawns and gardens to agricultural fields. It even tolerates poor soil conditions and partial shade, making it highly adaptable.

Growth Pattern Adaptation: Henbit’s growth pattern varies depending on where it’s growing. In lawns and pastures, it tends to stay low and sprawling to avoid being mowed or grazed. In fields and gardens, it can grow taller, up to 16 inches, in search of more sunlight.

If not managed, henbit can take advantage of weak lawns, making it harder for your grass to establish itself and thrive during the growing season.

How to Control Henbit Weed

1. Cultural Practices: Healthy lawns are the best defense against henbit. Maintaining a dense and vigorous turf helps crowd out weeds. Here are some tips for cultural control:

   • Aeration: Regularly aerate your lawn to alleviate compaction and promote deeper grass roots.
   • Proper Mowing: Keep your lawn at the recommended mowing height for your grass type to encourage thicker growth.
   • Fertilization: Follow a proper fertilization schedule to keep your lawn well-nourished.
   • Overseeding: Reseed bare or thin areas in cool season lawns to reduce the opportunity for henbit to take hold.
2. Herbicide Treatment: Pre-emergents can help prevent henbit seeds from germinating. For existing henbit, post-emergents can be used in the early stages of growth, typically during the winter or early spring. 

Preventing Henbit in the Future

The key to preventing henbit is maintaining a healthy, dense lawn year-round. This means staying proactive with fall and spring lawn care practices, including proper mowing, watering, and fertilization. If you live in an area prone to henbit infestations, consider Top Turf Lawn Care as part of your regular lawn maintenance routine.

Other Interesting Facts

Edible and Nutritious: Henbit is actually edible and nutritious! Both the leaves and stems can be eaten raw or cooked. They have a mild, slightly sweet flavor, and are rich in vitamins and minerals. Henbit is often used in salads, smoothies, or as a cooked green.

Ancient Medicinal Use: Henbit has been used in traditional herbal medicine for centuries. It was believed to have anti-inflammatory and diuretic properties and was sometimes used to treat fevers, skin conditions, and digestive issues.

Beneficial in Crop Rotation: Although henbit is considered a weed in agricultural fields, it can serve as a "cover crop" in certain settings, helping to suppress more aggressive weeds and providing organic matter when tilled under in early spring.

Conclusion

Henbit weed, while easy to identify, can become a persistent problem if left unchecked. By promoting a healthy lawn, utilizing Top Turf's Weed Control Program, you can keep this pesky winter annual from taking over your yard. Staying proactive will not only keep henbit at bay but also allow your lawn to thrive year-round.