Henbit

Henbit is a cool-season annual broadleaf weed often found in lawns, gardens, and agricultural fields. A member of the mint family, it features square stems and a unique purple bloom that adds color to early spring landscapes—but also signals a healthy infestation. Henbit thrives in thin, neglected turf and can rapidly spread in moist, fertile soils.

How to Identify

Henbit is easily recognized by its upright growth habit and distinctive purplish-pink flowers that appear in clusters near the tops of stems. Its stems are square and hollow, with rounded leaves that have scalloped edges and are arranged opposite each other. The upper leaves clasp the stem without petioles (leaf stalks), which helps distinguish Henbit from its close relative, Purple Deadnettle.

Lifecycle

Henbit is a winter annual, germinating in the fall, growing through mild winters, and flowering in early spring. It dies off naturally with the onset of summer heat, but not before producing thousands of seeds that can remain viable in soil for years.

Prevention & Control

To prevent Henbit, apply a pre-emergent herbicide in early fall before germination. Established weeds can be controlled with a selective broadleaf post-emergent herbicide applied in late fall or early spring during active growth. Maintaining a dense, healthy lawn through regular mowing and fertilization helps prevent reinfestation by shading out new seedlings.