Henbit, Henbit deadnettle
Lamium amplexicaule
Family: Lamiaceae or Labiatae
What it is like
Lamium amplexicaule is a ANNUAL growing to 0.3 m (1ft). It is in flower from April to August. The species is hermaphrodite (has both male and female organs) and is pollinated by Bees. The plant is self-fertile. Suitable for: light (sandy) and medium (loamy) soils, prefers well-drained soil and can grow in heavy clay soil. Suitable pH: mildly acid and neutral soils. It cannot grow in the shade. It prefers dry or moist soil.
Height (m): 0.3
Where it is found
Cultivated soil, usually on light dry soils.
Europe, including Britain, from Norway south and east to N. Africa, W. Mediterranean and W. Asia.
Conservation Status:
Countries/locations it is found in
How it is used
Food
Rating: 2
Young leaves - raw or cooked. Added to salads or used as a potherb.
Medicine
Rating: 1
The plant is antirheumatic, diaphoretic, excitant, febrifuge, laxative and stimulant.
Antirheumatic: Treats rheumatism.
Diaphoretic: Induces perspiration.
Febrifuge: Reduces fevers.
Laxative: Stimulates bowel movements in a fairly gentle manner.
Stimulant: Excites or quickens activity of the physiological processes. Faster acting than a tonic but differing from a narcotic in that it does not give a false sense of well-being.
Other
Rating: 0
How it is grown
Tolerates most soils and conditions. Prefers a light dry soil. Plants seem to be immune to the predations of rabbits.
Propagating it: Seed - this species usually self sows freely and should not require human intervention. When required, it can be sown in situ as soon as it is ripe or in spring. The seed can germinate at any time of the year in the wild if conditions are suitable.
Best place to grow: Cultivated Beds;
Habit: Annual
Hardiness: 0-0
Growth:
Soil: Light (sandy), medium
Shade: No shade
Moisture: Dry, moist