Edge/ Henbit

COMMON NAME: Henbit

OTHER COMMON NAME(S): Dead-Nettle

SCIENTIFIC NAME: Lamium amplexicaule

FAMILY: Lamiaceae

COMMUNITY: Edge

STATUS: Naturalized ~ Native of Eurasia

LIFESPAN: Annual

HEIGHT: 5 to 7 feet

FLOWERING TIME: Mid-April

FRUITING TIME: March to October

DISTRIBUTION: Throughout North America in waste places and roadsides

IDENTIFYING CHARACTERISTICS: Grows from short taproot ~ Branched at base ~ Several weak stems, hairy ~ Leaves hairy on lower part of stem, rounded ~ Flowers 6-10 in whorls

GENERAL INFORMATION: This family of plants (Lamiaceae), commonly called the mint family, has 221 genera and 5.600 species of herbs, shrubs and a few trees.  It is a preeminent family of culinary and medical herbs including lavender, rosemary, sage, thyme, mint, balm, marjoram, savory and basil. Young leaves of Henbit are edible.  Large amounts have been reported to poison livestock. Henbit is found on roadsides, fallow fields and waste places.

Please note: While harvesting wild berries/fruit is permitted at Island Beach State Park, visitors must adhere to park regulations at all times and must not damage vegetation or go off designated trails.  This information is presented for educational purposes.