Lamium amplexicaule
Common Name(s):
- Phonetic Spelling
- LAY-mee-um am-pleks-ih-KAW-lee
- Description
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Henbit is a cool season annual weed in the mint family introduced from Europe. The common name, Henbit, comes from the observation that chickens like it. Hummingbirds also enjoy this wild edible for the nectar. Henbit provides valuable erosion control in many cropland fields in the southern U.S. Unlike many of its relatives in the mint family, henbit does not have a strong or distinctive mint scent. Henbit is easily confused with Purple Deadnettle (L. purpureum), which has petioled leaves all the way to the top leaves. The middle and upper leaves do not have petioles. Henbit leaves are also typically smaller than those of Purple Deadnettle (L. purpureum). Henbit is an important early-season source of nectar and pollen for honeybees. The leaves, stem, and flowers of the plant are edible and have a slightly sweet and peppery flavor, similar to celery.
- See this plant in the following landscape:
- Cultivars / Varieties:
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- Tags:
- Cultivars / Varieties:
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- Tags:
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Attributes:
- Genus:
- Lamium
- Species:
- amplexicaule
- Family:
- Lamiaceae
- Life Cycle:
- Annual
- Recommended Propagation Strategy:
- Seed
- Country Or Region Of Origin:
- Europe
- Wildlife Value:
- Nectar attracts hummingbirds.
- Edibility:
- Henbit can be eaten raw or cooked.
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Whole Plant Traits:
- Plant Type:
- Annual
- Edible
- Weed
- Habit/Form:
- Erect
- Growth Rate:
- Rapid
- Maintenance:
- Medium
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Cultural Conditions:
- Light:
- Deep shade (Less than 2 hours to no direct sunlight)
- Partial Shade (Direct sunlight only part of the day, 2-6 hours)
- Soil Drainage:
- Occasionally Dry
- NC Region:
- Coastal
- Mountains
- Piedmont
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Flowers:
- Flower Color:
- Pink
- Purple/Lavender
- Flower Inflorescence:
- Cyme
- Flower Bloom Time:
- Spring
- Summer
- Flower Shape:
- Lipped
- Tubular
- Flower Size:
- 3-6 inches
- Flower Description:
- Two-lipped tubular hairy lavender flowers whorled around the squarest; upper lip is concave
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Leaves:
- Leaf Color:
- Green
- Leaf Feel:
- Soft
- Leaf Value To Gardener:
- Edible
- Leaf Type:
- Compound (Pinnately , Bipinnately, Palmately)
- Leaf Arrangement:
- Opposite
- Leaf Shape:
- Cordate
- Hairs Present:
- Yes
- Leaf Length:
- 1-3 inches
- Leaf Width:
- < 1 inch
- Leaf Description:
- The leaves are in opposite pairs, often with long internodes. The lower leaves are stalked and the upper ones stalkless, often fused, and clasping the stems. The blades are hairy and kidney-shaped, with rounded teeth. stem; .5-1.5" opposite, scalloped and rounded leaves; lower leaves have a long stalk; upper leaves are half clasping
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Stem:
- Stem Is Aromatic:
- No
- Stem Cross Section:
- Square
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Landscape:
- Landscape Location:
- Lawn
- Attracts:
- Hummingbirds
- Resistance To Challenges:
- Erosion
- Problems:
- Weedy
