Henbit (Lamium amplexicaule) is a broadleaf weed that appears in shady spots on your lawn. This annual weed grows during the autumn, flowers in late spring, and is identifiable by its pink or purple tube-shaped flowers, hairless square stems, and palmately veined leaves. Standing at about 16 inches in height at its maturity, henbit grows up to 16 inches tall. Keeping henbit under control involves acting quickly once it’s spotted as well as taking preventative measures before it pops up. Read on to learn more about keeping henbit off of your property.

First Things First: Maintain a Healthy Lawn

A well-maintained lawn can suppress the growth of weeds like henbit. Some points to remember:

• Keep your soil consistently moist.
• Mow on a regular basis to keep the turf dense.
• Fertilize with every two months during the growing season.

Control Henbit with Herbicides

Pre-emergent: stop henbit from growing by applying a pre-emergent herbicide in the early fall. Herbicides create a chemical barrier that stops henbit seedlings from sprouting. Just apply half an inch of water (unless rain is predicted) to the herbicide to activate the formula.

Selective: by choosing a product formulated specifically for broadleaf weeds, a selective herbicide can be used to treat henbit in the springtime. These formulas are designed to attack the weed without destroying your grass. On a dry day, apply the herbicide before the henbit has the chance to flower and follow up with water to activate the formula.

Manual Henbit Removal

Manually removing henbit from a garden can be time-consuming, pain-in-the-back work, but it is effective if you’re dealing with a smaller invasion.

• Hand weed: before henbit begins to flower, remove the plant from moist soil. Do this by pulling the plant by the base in a smooth motion that brings up the roots with it.
• Mulch: apply a layer of organic mulch over the soil to prevent henbit plants from sprouting and reapply as necessary. Landscape fabric works as well, topped by mulch–either organic or inorganic (pebbles, for example).

Sometimes, effectively attacking this stubborn weed requires professional assistance. Call us today at 614-808-4446 for assistance in treating your lawn for henbit and other unwanted weeds.