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henbit

henbit

9.9
A low plant from Europe and Asia with small purple or white flowers often seen as a weed
  • noun
  • /ˈhɛnˌbɪt/
translation icon : lamio
  • Wild henbit attracts bees and other pollinators with its small purple flowers.

Examples

  • The garden was filled with henbit this spring.

  • Farmers often have to remove henbit from their fields to prevent it from spreading.

  • The garden was filled with henbit blooming early in the spring.

  • I noticed some henbit growing near the fence.

  • The henbit plant is often considered a troublesome weed in gardens because it spreads rapidly.

  • Many gardeners struggle with henbit, as it can quickly take over flower beds during the spring.

  • You can identify henbit by its purple flowers and distinctive toothed leaves that emerge early in the year.

Synonyms

Lamium amplexicaule
vshenbit
  • Specialized
9.9

A small plant in the mint family with round, toothed leaves and small purple or white flowers

is the common everyday name used in informal contexts

Surface Forms

henbit singular
henbits plural

Etymology

Henbit probably comes from the simple parts hen and bit ('a bite' or little piece), because hens were seen pecking and eating this small plant. So the name reminds you that it is a tiny plant hens like to eat and that it often appears in fields and gardens.