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 Alternate Picture(s) |
 (See also Purple Deadnettle) |
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Henbit, a member
of the mint family, is an upright winter annual that blooms in the
spring. The leaves are rounded on the end with rounded toothed edges
that grow opposite one another on square stems Upper leaves lack
petioles. Henbit can grow from 4 to 12 inches tall on weak stems.
Although an upright plant, weak stems sprouting from the bottom
may lay almost horizontal. |
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Henbit can be confused with purple deadnettle. The leaves of purple deadnettle, however, are more pointed at the end and are slightly scalloped. The lower leaves of purple deadnettle are on long petioles, the upper leaves are on short petioles. The flowers of henbit are purple, tubular shaped and form in the whorls of the upper leaves. Henbit spreads only by seed and is generally not a problem in dense, vigorous turfgrass sites. Henbit is found throughout the United States. |
| Integrated Pest Management Control Recommendations: |
Cultural Practices:
Henbit can be highly competitive in newly seeded areas and thin or dormant
turf. Henbit thrives in cool, moist areas. Growing conditions can be made
less favorable by lightening the soil or otherwise improving drainage, especially
in shady areas. Heavy, constant shade should be lightened as well where
possible. Shady areas should be planted with turfgrass species which do
well in the shade and which will provide maximum competition to weed species
which invade shady areas.
Herbicide Use:
Use a selective postemergent herbicide taking care to follow spray intervals
if treating newly seeded areas. Optimum control will be obtained when
henbit is actively growing and in the seedling to flower stage of growth.
University Links | Gordon's Recommendations | Germination Dates
