Henbit is one of the most noticeable spring weeds in Oklahoma, covering dormant lawns with small purple flowers in late winter.
- Scientific name
- Lamium amplexicaule
- Type
- Winter annual broadleaf
- Most visible
- February–April
How to Identify Henbit
- Square stems (mint family)
- Rounded, scalloped leaves that wrap the stem
- Small pink-purple tubular flowers
- Grows in clusters
When It Shows Up in Oklahoma Lawns
Germinates in fall, grows through winter, and flowers in late winter and early spring before dying in heat.
How to Control Henbit
- Apply a fall pre-emergent
- Spot-treat with a selective herbicide labeled for the weed and safe for your grass type, following the label exactly on mild winter days
- Keep turf thick with proper mowing height, watering, and feeding so seedlings can't establish