Henbit – Kansas City Lawn Weed
This week’s weed of the week is henbit. Henbit, Lamium amplexicaule, is a winter annual. Right now Henbit is growing and showing itself in Kansas city. Some defining characteristics of henbit is square stems, and a pink to purple flower. The leaves are round to heart-shaped with a rounded tooth leaf margin. Henbit can develop stems up to sixteen inches in length. Henbit can be frustrating for homeowners because it is often the one of the first weeds they see and it also is most prolici when Kansas city lawns are at their weakest. A good fertilization and lawn care program will help keep henbit out of your lawn.
 | Published on April 4th, 2008 | Posted by Jeff Hamons |
September 11th, 2008 at 6:28 am
I’m glad I can now put a name to it. Henbit is not just showing itself, it’s an infestation. I think I need more than good fertilization and a program.
May 18th, 2009 at 1:53 pm
Thanks for posting this. We found this in our yard and it seems to spread like carpet and it’s trying to take over our lawn. However, we have been killing it and trying to grow new grass.
May 19th, 2009 at 5:46 am
One thing to remember about henbit. Often you do not even have to spray it after Mid-may — the heat will kill it off sooner than the herbicide and since it is an annual – the plants that die won’t come back next year — but the seeds which have already been spread will.
March 28th, 2010 at 1:48 pm
I live in Middle-Tennessee and this stuff is absolutely a pest here as well. It is EVERYWHERE! This is the first year I have really noticed it being as prolific as it is right now.
April 4th, 2010 at 3:17 pm
I think it looks neat and it is also edible: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ulyZwMtfWhI
September 28th, 2010 at 9:12 am
Good info on this type of weed. By identifying what these weeds are, a plan would be constructed to eliminate them while promoting grass health. Thanks for posting.