Plant Problem Diagnostic
How to Control Henbit
The short answer
Henbit is a winter annual with square stems and pink-purple flowers that germinates in fall, overwinters, flowers in spring, and dies as summer heat arrives. Because it dies on its own in early summer, the key is to stop it from setting seed and to keep turf dense enough to block fall germination.
For small amounts, hand-pull or hoe young plants before they flower. Since henbit naturally dies back in the heat, late-spring intervention is usually unnecessary; focus instead on a thick lawn and disrupting the fall seed cycle.
How to identify it
Henbit grows under about a foot tall with square stems and opposite, scalloped, rounded leaves; upper leaves clasp the stem. Pink-to-purple tubular flowers appear in spring. It has a fibrous root system and does not creep along the ground.
- Square stems, opposite scalloped leaves
- Upper leaves clasp the stem
- Pink-purple tubular spring flowers
- Winter annual, dies back in summer heat
Cultural and physical control
- 1Pull or hoe young plants — Remove seedlings and young plants in fall or early spring before they flower, since control gets harder as plants mature.
- 2Prevent seed set — Take out plants before or shortly after flowering to stop viable seed and reduce next year's crop.
- 3Maintain dense turf — A thick, healthy lawn shades the soil and limits fall germination of henbit seed.
✔ Because henbit dies naturally as temperatures rise in late spring, late-season treatment is generally not needed.
When to escalate
For heavy recurring infestations, pre-emergence timing and chemical options may help. For chemical options consult your county Extension and always follow the label.
Sources
Reviewed 2026-07-18. We cite university Extension, government, and established horticultural sources — and never invent pesticide rates or dangerous treatments.
- University of Maryland Extension — Henbit — Henbit is a winter annual with square stems, scalloped opposite leaves, and pink-purple flowers; it germinates in fall, flowers in spring, and dies as temperatures rise.
- Clemson Cooperative Extension HGIC — Henbit — Henbit reproduces by seed germinating in fall and spring; dense healthy turf and removing plants before seed set are cultural controls, and it dies back in summer.