Henbit (Lamium amplexicaule) and its close cousin purple deadnettle (L. purpureum) are originally from Eurasia and northern Africa but have become well established in North America.   What we recognize today as lawn weeds were often important medicinal and food plants for early settlers.   Henbit plants are edible and poultices of fresh plant parts have been used to heal stings, small wounds, and minor burns.   The leaves are also used as a tea to relieve external bleeding and diarrhea.

Aside from use in folk medicine, these low-growing members of the mint family are primarily weeds of turfgrass, ornamentals, and small grains.  

“Now ‘tis the spring, and weeds are shallow-rooted;
Suffer them now, and they’ll outgrow the garden,
And choke the herbs for want of husbandry.”

            William Shakespeare

Plants are often not noticed in the fall and winter as they produce a small rosette of inconspicuous leaves.  However, an explosion of spring growth for flower production can quickly add a purple sheen to ones home lawn.   Although plants are usually weak and spindly, neglect can lead to serious problems as plants grow and plant populations build.   Henbit can be highly competitive in newly-seeded areas, thin or dormant turfgrass, and home gardens.   For more information on henbit, purple deadnettle, and other weeds, go to Dr. Askew’s web site at www.turfweeds.net.   For information on controlling this and other broadleaf weeds in turfgrass, refer to publication 456-017 Horticultural and Forest Crops from the VCE 2003 Pest Management Guides (PMG).   The PMG’s are also available online at http://www.ext.vt.edu/pubs/pmg/.