Lamium amplexicaule aka Henbit Deadnettle

Lamium amplexicaule, or henbit, belongs to the mint family. It grows as an annual, and sometimes a biennial. Its native range covers temperate Eurasia and Macaronesia, reaching Ethiopia. It is native to Britain and Ireland. It has spread to North and South America and Greenland. This cool-season plant grows fast and can become a weed.

Plants stand about 0.8 feet [0.25 metres] tall. RHS gives a garden height range of 0.3–1.6 feet [0.1–0.5 metres]. Its spread reaches 1.6–3.3 feet [0.5–1 metre]. Stems may extend to 2 feet [0.61 metres]. They branch near the base and trail across the ground. New shoots grow more upright. The square stems range from green to reddish brown. They lack a strong mint scent. Soft green leaves grow in opposite pairs. Their rounded, kidney-shaped blades have fine hairs and scalloped edges. Lower leaves have stalks, while upper leaves clasp the stems.

Pink to purple flowers appear mainly in spring. Some plants also flower in autumn for about a month. The tubular blooms have two lips and grow around the stems. Their pale inner surfaces carry pink-purple spots. The lower lip ends in two rounded lobes. Each flower produces four small nutlets. These are grey-brown, with pale speckles and three angled sides. Honeybees visit for early pollen and nectar. Hummingbirds also feed on the nectar.

Grow henbit in moist soil that drains well. RHS recommends part shade and lists sand, loam, chalk and clay. It accepts acid, neutral and alkaline soils. NC State also reports growth in full or partial sun. Its account favours fertile loam with moderate moisture. Plants become dormant in hot weather. RHS rates its cold hardiness as H6. This covers winter lows of roughly -4 to 5°F [-20 to -15°C]. Sow seed in autumn; the plant needs no pruning.

Henbit suits wildflower meadows, wildlife gardens and woodland areas. It also helps limit soil loss in southern US crop fields. Yet it can spread strongly through seed and rooting stem nodes. This makes it a nuisance where gardeners need to control growth. Slugs and snails may attack it, but disease problems are uncommon. The leaves, stems and flowers can be eaten raw or cooked. Their taste is mildly sweet and peppery. Young leaves serve as salad greens or cooked greens. Plants For A Future lists no known hazards.