HPIPM:Henbit

Taxonomy

Domain	Eukarya
Kingdom	Plantae
Phylum	Magnoliophyta
Class	Magnoliopsida
Superorder	Asteranae
Order	Lamiales
Family	Lamiaceae
Genus	Lamium

Scientific Name

Lamium amplexicaule

Common Name

henbit

Henbit (Lamium amplexicaule)

Compiled by Mark B. Major, Montana State University, Teton County Extension

and Marjolein Schat, Montana State University from the following sources:

http://plants.usda.gov/factsheet/pdf/fs_laam.pdf

Identification and Life Cycle

Henbit (Lamium amplexicaule) is a cool season annual weed in the mint family (Lamiaceae). Henbit has square stems that reach 6 to 15 inches in height. Leaves those on the stem that are not associated with flowers have petioles. Upper leaves have no petioles and occur just below flower clusters. Both types of leaves are somewhat rounded, coarsely toothed, and occur in pairs on opposite sides of the stem. Flowers are about 1 1/2 inches long, purple, and have hairy bracts. Unlike many plants in the mint family, henbit does not have a strong or distinctive odor. Seeds are found in nutlike fruits (mericarps) and are light to dark brown. Henbit has a fibrous root system.

Habitats

Henbit thrives in cool, moist areas and occurs in yards, parks, roadsides, fallow fields, winter grain crops, pastures, and turf grass.

Impacts

Henbit can be highly competitive in newly seeded areas. Henbit has been found to be an overwintering host for soybean cyst nematode. Henbit is also an alternative host for corn earworm.

Biology and Ecology

Henbit reproduces by seeds. Seeds germinate in late summer or fall and the plant is dormant over the winter. Henbit flowers in spring or early summer and then dies. Henbit can produce over 2000 seeds per plant under ideal growing conditions.

Management Approaches

As an annual that reproduces by seed, management techniques that prevent seed production are most effective. Henbit can be controlled by both mechanical and chemical controls.

Biological Control

There are no biological control agents available for henbit.

Mechanical and Cultural Control

Henbit thrives in cool, moist places and growing conditions may be made less favorable by lightening soil or improving drainage. Small infestations can be controlled by hand pulling.

Chemical Control

Consult herbicide labels for additional rate, application, and safety information. Additional herbicide information can be found at http://www.greenbook.net.

Due to constantly changing labels, laws and regulations, the sponsors of this web site assume no liability for the suggested use of any chemicals noted in the management section. Contact your local pest management personnel for current information on labeled pesticides that can be used for the intended plant disease, insect pest or weed.

References

For more information and images please visit IPM Bugwood. http://www.ipmimages.org/search/action.cfm?q=henbit