Henbit Common Winter Weed

Henbit grows low to medium height with soft, rounded leaves that often wrap around the stem near the top of the plant. It has square stems and small pink to purple flowers. In warm-season lawns, it is usually most noticeable in late winter and early spring before the grass is actively growing.

Henbit germinates in fall and grows through cool weather. It spreads by seed and commonly shows up in thin turf, bare spots, landscape edges, and areas where grass is not dense enough to compete. Mild winters and open soil can make henbit pressure worse.

The best prevention is a thicker lawn with fewer bare areas where henbit seed can germinate. A properly timed fall pre-emergent labeled for winter annual broadleaf weeds may help reduce henbit pressure. Good mowing, fertilization, watering, and repairing thin areas will also help prevent future outbreaks.

Henbit is usually controlled with a selective broadleaf weed control product labeled for henbit and for your specific lawn type. Best results come when plants are young and actively growing in fall, winter, or early spring. Mature flowering plants can be harder to control and may require more than one labeled application. Always read and follow the product label.