Henbit weed is a common problem in many lawns. It’s an annual weed that grows from fall to late spring, and it can quickly take over your yard if left unchecked.
But, there are steps you can take to get rid of henbit and keep it from coming back. In this article, we’ll discuss how to identify henbit weeds and the best methods for removing them from your lawn.
We’ll also provide tips on how to Remove Henbit from your lawns so you can enjoy a healthy, beautiful lawn all year round.
Identifying Henbit
Scientific Name: Lamium amplexicaule
Other Popular Names: purple dead nettle, common henbit
Plant Height: 6-12 inches
Identification: Henbit (Lamium amplexicaule) is a winter annual weed in the mint family. It is native to Europe and Asia but has naturalized throughout much of the United States. Henbit is in the mint family and has square stems with opposite, triangular-ovate to nearly round leaves that are hairy on both surfaces. The leaves have scalloped margins and taper to a point at the tip. The uppermost leaves often have a purplish tinge. The flowers of henbit are borne singly in the leaf axils and have pink or purplish petals that are united at the base to form a 2-lipped corolla.
Henbit typically blooms from February to April. The seeds of henbit are black, oval-shaped, and flattened with ridges running lengthwise. They are produced in clusters of 4-12 seeds that are enclosed in the two-lipped calyx (the whorl of sepals at the base of a flower). Henbit seeds can remain viable in the soil for up to 5 years.
Henbit Lookalikes: There are many plants that look similar to henbit, making it difficult to identify. Some of the most common lookalikes include Red Dead-nettle (Lamium purpureum) Purple Dead-nettle (Lamium purpureum) Field bindweed (Convolvulus arvensis) Creeping Charlie (Glechoma hederacea) If you’re not sure which plant you’re dealing with, it’s best to err on the side of caution and assume it’s henbit.
How to Get Rid of Henbit
Non-Chemical Control
Non-chemical methods are often the best way to get rid of henbit and can be used in combination with chemical control measures. The most common non-chemical method is manual removal. To do this, simply pull up the plants by hand, being sure to get the entire root system. If you have a large infestation, it may be easier to use a trowel or other tool to dig out the plants.
Mulching: Applying a 3-4 inch layer of mulch over the surface of the soil can help prevent henbit from germinating in your lawn. The mulch should be thick enough that it blocks light from reaching the soil, so the weed seeds won’t be able to germinate.
Regular Lawn Mowing: Mowing your lawn regularly and at the proper height can help prevent henbit from taking over. Mow at least every two weeks during the growing season and raise the mower blade to 3 inches or higher. This will help keep the weeds from gaining a foothold in your lawn.
Corn Gluten Meal as a Pre-Emergent
Corn gluten meal is a natural pre-emergent weed control that can be applied to your lawn in the early spring before henbit germinates. It works by preventing weed seedlings from developing, so it’s best to apply it when the weeds first start to emerge.
Using corn gluten meal as pre-emergent weed control is an effective way to remove henbit and keep it from coming back. It works by preventing the germination of weed seeds, so it’s best to apply it in early spring when the weeds first start to emerge. Here’s a step-by-step guide to applying corn gluten meal as a pre-emergent:
• Purchase corn gluten meal from your local garden center or nursery.
• Spread the corn gluten meal evenly over your lawn at the recommended rate (usually around 40 lbs per 1000 sq ft).
• Water the area thoroughly after application to help activate the product.
• Repeat the application every 3-4 weeks during the growing season.
While corn gluten meal is an effective way to get rid of henbit, keep in mind that it won’t work on existing weeds. For this reason, it’s best to combine this method with other non-chemical and chemical control methods.
Chemical Control
If you have a large infestation of henbit, chemical control may be necessary. Herbicides containing 2,4-D and triclopyr are effective at controlling henbit and other broadleaf weeds.
These herbicides should be applied when the weeds are actively growing and according to the instructions on the label. It’s important to read the label carefully and follow all safety precautions when using any chemical product.
Once you’ve treated your lawn with herbicides, it’s important to follow up with regular maintenance and monitoring. This will help ensure that the weeds don’t return and your lawn remains healthy.
A few popular herbicides for controlling henbit include:
• Ortho Weed-B-Gon MAX Plus Crabgrass Control
• Hi-Yield 2,4-D Selective Weed Killer
• Bayer Advanced All-In-One Lawn Weed & Crabgrass Killer
• Bonide Weed Beater Ultra
How to Prevent Henbit from Future Infestations
To prevent henbit from future infestations, it is important to understand the life cycle of the weed and how it reproduces.
Henbit is an annual weed that germinates in late fall or early winter. The seeds of henbit will remain dormant in the soil over the winter months and will then germinate in the spring when the temperatures start to warm up.
Once henbit starts to grow in the spring, it will quickly produce flowers and seeds. The flowers are pollinated by bees and other insects which then spread the seeds around to other areas. Henbit can also spread by seed dispersal via animals, humans, and water.
To prevent henbit from spreading and becoming an infestation, it is important to remove the weed before it goes to seed.
If you have a henbit problem in your garden or landscape, there are a few things you can do to control it. Hand-pulling is often effective for small areas, but make sure to pull up the entire root so the plant does not regrow. You can also mow over the henbit before it goes to seed to prevent it from spreading. Be sure to bag up the clippings and dispose of them so the seeds don’t end up back in your yard. Herbicides are also effective at controlling henbit, but make sure to read and follow all label instructions carefully. Apply herbicides when the plant is actively growing for best results.
You can also apply a pre-emergent weed control such as corn gluten meal can help prevent henbit from becoming established in your lawn. This should be done every 3-4 weeks during the growing season.
With these tips, you can Remove henbit from growing back on your lawn.
FAQs about Controlling Henbit in Lawns
Does Roundup for lawns kill henbit?
Yes, Roundup for lawns can be used to effectively kill henbit as well as other broadleaf weeds. Be sure to apply the product according to the instructions on the label and take all necessary safety precautions.
How often should I apply corn gluten meal?
Corn gluten meal should be applied every 3-4 weeks during the growing season in order to be effective.
Do I need to use herbicides for henbit control?
If you have a large infestation of henbit, it may be necessary to use an herbicide in combination with other non-chemical and cultural methods. Be sure to read the label carefully and take all safety precautions when using.
Does Scotts Triple Action kill henbit?
Yes, Scotts Triple Action contains 2,4-D which is effective at controlling henbit and other broadleaf weeds.
Can you control henbit using vinegar alone?
No, vinegar alone is not an effective way to control henbit. It may help kill existing weeds, but it won’t prevent new ones from growing. For this reason, it’s best to combine vinegar with other non-chemical and chemical control methods.
Is purple dead nettle the same as henbit?
No, purple dead nettle (Lamium purpureum) and henbit (Lamium amplexicaule) are two different species. Although they share many of the same characteristics, they are easily distinguished from one another by their flower colors and leaf shapes. Purple dead nettle has pinkish-purple flowers and pointed or oval leaves, whereas henbit has white to pale purple flowers and rounded leaves.
Is henbit invasive?
No, henbit is not considered an invasive species. It may become a nuisance in lawns, but it can easily be controlled using a combination of non-chemical and chemical methods. Additionally, henbit can attract beneficial pollinators such as bees and butterflies to your garden.
