How to Control Henbit

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

1. 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.
2. 2Prevent seed set — Take out plants before or shortly after flowering to stop viable seed and reduce next year's crop.
3. 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.

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