Fauna
Plant · GBIF taxon 2926679

Henbit Deadnettle

Lamium amplexicaule

Also known as Henbit, Greater Henbit, Giraffe Head

Henbit deadnettle is a hardy winter annual that carpets disturbed soils, roadsides, and lawns with clusters of slender, bright magenta-pink tubular flowers from late winter through spring. Its square stems bear distinctive rounded, scalloped upper leaves that clasp the stalk directly without petioles. Early season blossoms often remain closed and self-pollinate through cleistogamy, guaranteeing seed production even in chilly conditions before pollinators emerge.

AnnualWildflowerPollinator Plant
Henbit Deadnettle reference1 / 7
Licensed reference(c) Meghan Cassidy, some rights reserved (CC BY-SA), uploaded by Meghan Cassidy · cc-by-sa
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Least ConcernConservation statusIUCN Red List categoriesLCNTVUENCREWEXLeast ConcernRed List categories, explained →
Key facts
Diet & prey
  • Photoautotroph
Predators
  • European Honey Bee
  • Slugs
  • Cabbage Looper Caterpillar
ThreatsHerbicide application, intensive turf management, and frequent mowing
HabitatsLawns, agricultural fields, gardens, waste ground, and open meadows
Life span1 year (winter annual)
Classification
  1. OrderLamiales
  2. FamilyLamiaceae
  3. GenusLamium
  4. SpeciesLamium amplexicaule
Range & activity
Range data is not available yet.
Safe observation
Interaction riskLow
  1. Low
  2. Moderate
  3. High
  4. Very high
Why interaction risk is low
Safe to observe at a normal distance.
Responsible observation
  • Leaf examination: Check where upper leaves join the square stem to confirm they clasp without leaf stalks.
  • Early observation: Search open lawns and garden beds in late winter when few other nectar sources have emerged.
  • Flower inspection: Gently examine the tiny pink tubes to spot whether they have opened or remained closed to self-pollinate.
Related species
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