Henbit (Lamium amplexicaule)

Two Lamium species – L. amplexicaule (Henbit) and L. purpureum (Purple Deadnettle) - grow in this area. The major differences, for identification purposes, are the color and shape of the leaves. Both species have lobed, opposite leaves. L. amplexicaule leaves are green, round and not stalked whereas L. purpureum leaves are a purplish green, pointed and stalked. L. amplexicaule flowers look more open with a single pair of leaves separated by more a length of stalk. The leaves and flowers of L. purpureum are clustered at the top of the stalk. In this area (North Georgia), L. purpureum flowers are generally a paler pink than L. amplexicaule flowers. From a distance, L. amplexicaule plants have a distinctly pink/purple color. L. purpureum plants look grayish at a distance with a very slight pink/purple tint due to the tight clustering of the purplish-tinged leaves and the paler flowers.

The leaves. Clearly green and rounded. The flower buds just showing.

The flower buds a little further developed.

The developing flower buds; a couple are just opening.

Several flowers are fully open.

The flower; front on.

The flower; profile

A flower head showing the open arrangement with pairs of sessile leaves separated from the next on the stalk.

L. amplexicaule is native to Europe, Asia, and Africa and grows throughout the United States and Canada. L. amplexicaule is the only Lamium species that grows at our place; both species grow in Walton County and at Fort Yargo State Park/Barrow County.
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Distribution Maps:
- United States Department of Agriculture Plants Database: Lamium amplexicaule (Henbit Deadnettle)
- Shedi de botanica: Lamium amplexicaule (Henbit)

Identification resources:
- Southeastern Flora: Henbit (Lamium amplexicaule)

Related Posts:
- 2010: Year Of The Wildflower
- Purple Deadnettle (Lamium purpureum)