What Is Henbit?

Henbit, a small annual weed from Europe, Asia, and northern Africa, has found a home in North America, where it thrives as a common weed in lawns, gardens, and disturbed ecosystems. Chickens love henbit, hence its name. Though a nuisance to gardeners, henbit is an edible weed used in teas, soups, and other dishes. Its earthy flavor resembles kale, unlike the minty notes of its relatives, catnip, peppermint, and spearmint.

Henbit is a sought-after food source for pollinators like honey bees, bumble bees, and hummingbirds. Humans can also enjoy its young leaves, shoots, and blossoms, raw or cooked. This versatile herb has a mildly sweet and subtly peppery taste. Henbit is also nutritious, rich in vitamins A and C and minerals like potassium and calcium.

Identifying Henbit

Henbit is an annual plant with small, heart-shaped leaves and purple flowers that make it easy to identify. It typically grows to be about 6-12 inches tall and wide. The leaves are arranged oppositely on the stem and have a slightly scalloped edge. The flowers are borne in clusters and have a two-lipped structure. The upper lip is slightly hooded, and the lower lip is three-lobed.

Here are some tips on how to identify henbit:

• Look for a small, annual plant with heart-shaped leaves and purple flowers.
• The leaves are arranged oppositely on the stem and have a slightly scalloped edge.
• The flowers are borne in clusters and have a two-lipped structure.
• The upper lip is slightly hooded and the lower lip is three-lobed.
• Henbit is often found in lawns, gardens, and other disturbed areas.

If you are unsure whether a plant is henbit, you can always consult a field guide or ask a knowledgeable person for help.

Here are some additional characteristics of henbit that may help you identify it and differentiate it from similar-looking plants, such as creeping Charlie and purple deadnettle. If you see a plant with these characteristics, it is likely to be henbit:

• Henbit has a square stem, which is typical of members of the mint family.
• The stem is often hairy, especially towards the top.
• The leaves are also hairy but less so than the stem.
• The flowers are typically purple but can also be white or pink.
• The flowers are about 1/2 inch long and wide.
• Henbit blooms from early spring to late fall.

Life Cycle Of Henbit

Henbit is a winter annual plant, meaning its seeds germinate in the autumn and overwinter, and then the plants grow and flower in the spring. The plants typically die in the summer heat.

• Seed Germination: Henbit seeds germinate in the autumn, when temperatures are cool, and there is moisture in the soil. The seeds can germinate at soil temperatures as low as 35 degrees Fahrenheit.
• Overwintering: Henbit plants overwinter as seedlings. The seedlings are small and have a hairy covering that protects them from the cold.
• Spring Growth: In the spring, the henbit seedlings grow rapidly. The plants typically flower in April or May.
• Flowering: Henbit flowers are typically purple but can also be white or pink. The flowers are arranged in clusters and are visited by pollinators such as bees and butterflies.
• Seed Production: Henbit plants produce seeds from late spring to early summer. The seeds are small and brown and are dispersed by wind and rain.
• Summer Death: Henbit plants typically die in the summer heat. The plants may reseed themselves, but this is less common than in the fall.

Henbit is a very adaptable plant and can grow in various conditions. It is most commonly found in lawns, gardens, and other disturbed areas. Henbit is also found in waste areas, roadsides, and forests.

Controlling & Managing Henbit

There are a number of ways to control and manage henbit. The best method for you will depend on the severity of the problem and your personal preferences.

Cultural Control: Cultural control methods focus on creating an unfavorable environment for henbit growth. These methods include:

• Maintaining a healthy lawn: A healthy lawn is more resistant to weeds, including henbit. To maintain a healthy lawn, mow regularly at the appropriate height, water deeply and infrequently, and fertilize according to soil test results.
• Mulching: Mulching can help to suppress henbit growth by blocking light and preventing seeds from germinating. Apply a 2-3 inch layer of organic mulch, such as bark chips or compost, around your plants and in areas where henbit is a problem.
• Hand weeding: Hand weeding is an effective way to control henbit in small areas. Be sure to pull the entire plant, including the roots, to prevent it from regrowing.

Chemical Control: Chemical control methods involve using herbicides to kill henbit. Several herbicides are available that are effective against henbit, but it is important to choose one that is appropriate for your turfgrass or plants. Be sure to follow the directions on the herbicide label carefully.

Integrated Pest Management (IPM): IPM is a holistic approach to pest management that combines cultural, biological, and chemical control methods. IPM is the most effective way to control henbit and other weeds in the long term.

Here are some specific tips for managing henbit:

• Prevent henbit seeds from germinating in the fall. Mow your lawn late in the fall to remove existing henbit plants and prevent them from going to seed. You can also apply a pre-emergent herbicide in the fall to prevent henbit seeds from germinating.
• Control henbit seedlings in the spring. If you see henbit seedlings in the spring, hand-pull them or spot-treat them with a post-emergent herbicide.
• Maintain a healthy lawn throughout the year. A healthy lawn is more resistant to weeds, including henbit. Mow regularly at the appropriate height, water deeply and infrequently, and fertilize according to soil test results.
• Mulch around your plants and in areas where henbit is a problem. Mulch can help to suppress henbit growth by blocking light and preventing seeds from germinating. Apply a 2-3 inch layer of organic mulch, such as bark chips or compost.

If you have trouble controlling henbit alone, consider consulting a professional lawn care company.