Henbit Dead-Nettle Lamium amplexicaule

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.