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Henbit deadnettle
Also known as: Common Dead-nettle
Henbit deadnettle is a very important part of the North American and Eurasian ecosystems, as it is utilized by bees and other pollinators as a source of nectar. Additionally, the seeds are favored by birds and the leaves, stems, and flowers are edible to humans either raw or cooked.
Scientific classification
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Weeds
Weed or not
10 cm to 30 cm
Plant Height
10 cm
Spread
Green, Red
Leaf Color
8 cm to 15 cm
Flower Size
Brown
Fruit Color
Pink, White, Purple, Red
Flower Color
Green, Purple
Stem Color
Winter dormancy
Dormancy
Deciduous
Leaf type
20 - 35 ℃
Ideal Temperature
Spring, Summer
Growth Season
Rapid
Growth Rate

Images of Henbit deadnettle

Distribution of Henbit deadnettle

Distribution Map
The henbit deadnettle is native to temperate parts of Europe and Asia, and ranges as far south as Ethiopia. It grows in disturbed sites as well as in agricultural fields. The species has been introduced to much of Europe, Asia, North Africa, South America, and North America. In several European countries as well as in Australia and many US states, henbit deadnettle is considered an invasive species or troublesome agricultural weed. It is also considered a noxious weed in parts of Canada.
Native
Cultivated
Invasive
Introduced
No species reported
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Habitat
Dry soils
Hemisphere Trend Curve
Flowering
Fruiting

Culture

Garden Use
You can utilize henbit deadnettle in pollinator gardens, as butterflies, hummingbirds, and bees flock to this delicate plant. Although it has a generally weedy appearance, it becomes a decorative plant when its flowers bloom in the spring. While it can be hard to control, you can plant it in garden beds or use it as a ground cover in areas where other plants don't grow.
Symbolism
Bringing hope, enduring hardships, overcoming obstacles, tenacity
Name Story
Henbit deadnettle: It has a square-shaped stem in which the lower stemmed leaves that do not have flowers and upper leaves without stems that are located just below the pink to purple two-lipped flowers. Lamium plants hold the appearance very much like nettles but they don't have hairs. So, they are called Henbit deadnettle.
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Weed Control

A common weed native to Eurasia and northern Africa, henbit deadnettle has become pervasive around the world. The USA, Western Europe, and Australia all have it listed as an invasive species, and Canada categorizes it as noxious. Henbit deadnettle produces up to 200 seeds per plant, making it an aggressive spreader. It is particularly competitive with crop plants, including winter cereal crops and ornamental landscapes. Henbit deadnettle is also a host to a range of pests that threaten various species of crops, including tomatoes and strawberries, making it a terror for croplands and food gardens. It can quickly cover entire fields without issue and is known to host a variety of pests. Though it spreads widely, it is easily removable by hand.
How to Control It
The best season to remove henbit deadnettle is spring. This is the best time because henbit deadnettle will be in its active growth stage but has not yet produced any seeds. It's crucial to remove it before it reaches its flowering and seed-setting stage to prevent further proliferation.
  1. Hand Pulling: Put on your garden gloves and grasp the henbit deadnettle at the base of the stem near the soil. Gently yet firmly pull the plant upwards from the ground. Try to remove as many of the roots as possible to prevent future growth.
  2. Hoeing: Use a garden hoe to cut off the henbit deadnettle at the ground level. It's best to do this during the dry season, as the uprooted weeds will then quickly dehydrate and die off.
  3. Mulching: Remove all visible traces of the henbit deadnettle, then cover the area with a thick layer of organic mulch, about two to three inches deep. This prevents light from reaching any potentially remaining henbit deadnettle seeds, inhibiting their germination and growth.
  4. Soil Solarization: In the hotter summer months, once the henbit deadnettle has been eradicated, water the area thoroughly and then cover it with clear plastic tarp. This allows the sun's energy to superheat the soil, killing any remaining seeds or plants beneath the surface.
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Quickly Identify Henbit deadnettle

1
Vibrant green, rounded leaves with deep notch at petiole end, clasping directly at stem.
2
Tubular flowers in pink to purple hues, often spotted, clustered in upper leaf axils.
3
Two-lipped, tubular, hairy lavender flowers with concave upper lip, about 0.6 inches (1.5 cm).
4
Leaves arranged in opposite pairs, lower ones stalked, upper stalkless and sometimes fused.
5
Leaf blades hairy, kidney-shaped, with rounded teeth, 0.5–1.5 inches (1.3–3.8 cm) long.
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Care Guide for Henbit deadnettle

Every week
Water
Partial sun
Sunlight
20 - 35 ℃
Ideal Temperature
Water: Henbit deadnettle thrives in moist conditions and requires consistent hydration, with weekly watering to promote lush growth. It prefers steady moisture levels, avoiding drought or waterlogging. This species responds well during the growing season, benefiting from adequate water for prolific flowering.
Fertilize: Henbit deadnettle thrives in poor soil with minimal fertilizer needs, benefiting from compost prior to planting. For alleviating slow growth, a balanced fertilizer (N-P-K = 10-10-10) can be applied.
Pruning: To promote rapid branch growth in henbit deadnettle, remove top shoots after blooming or in early spring. Prune dense branches by one-third in late summer to improve air circulation and light exposure. Promptly cut scapes post-bloom to prevent mold, and trim diseased leaves to reduce pests.
Propagation: Henbit deadnettle propagates effectively by sowing in Spring, with a straightforward process that leads to successful seedling emergence. Essential tips include using well-draining soil and maintaining consistent moisture during germination.
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