Weeds: Henbit – Lamium amplexicaule

• Family: Lamiaceae (Labiatae)
• Cycle: Annual
• Plant type: Broadleaf

Biology

A spreading to erect plant, henbit has the square stems and opposite leaves characteristic of most plants in the mint family. Plants may branch extensively at the base. Branches often root at the lower nodes and may reach a foot or more in height. The lower leaves have long petioles, while the upper leaves lack petioles and appear to surround or clasp the stem. All leaves have coarse, rounded teeth. The flowers are pink to purplish, appearing in whorls in the axils of the upper leaves. The lower lips of the flowers are three-lobed and spotted, the upper lips have two lobes. Henbit stems are hairless. Most of the leaves are also hairless and more or less shiny, but the lower leaves may have some hairs. SPECIAL INFORMATION: Henbit may resemble red deadnettle (Lamium purpureum), but lacks the soft, hairy appearance and reddish, closely set upper leaves of red deadnettle.

Habitat

Henbit is commonly found on rich soils in waste places and cultivated areas including gardens, lawns, and fields.

Management Options

Use Integrated Pest Management (IPM) for successful plant problem management.

Non-chemical Management

Select non-chemical management options as your first choice!

• Maintaining a healthy planting or turf area to provide competition will prevent weed establishment.
• Cultivation (rototilling or hoeing) will effectively eliminate plants.
• Hand-pull to eliminate weeds.
• Mowing to prevent seed production is a very effective means of management. In lawns, mowing regularly at the proper height for the grass species may help minimize weed growth and invasion.
• Careful digging is useful to manage weed populations. However, digging can carry undesirable weed seed to the surface and foster further germination.

Chemical Management

IMPORTANT: Visit Home and Garden Fact Sheets for more information on using pesticides.

• Apply according to label directions.
• Glyphosate products should be applied as spot treatments only!
• NOTE: Some ingredients listed here are only available in combination.
• Read the label carefully on combination products to make sure the product is suitable for your specific situation.

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