Purple Deadnettle vs. Henbit: How to Tell These Common Spring Plants Apart
Every spring, homeowners across Pennsylvania begin noticing patches of purple flowers appearing in their lawns, gardens, and fields.
The first question is usually:
"What is that purple weed growing in my yard?"
More often than not, the answer is either Henbit or Purple Deadnettle.
Because these two plants bloom at the same time, belong to the mint family, and share similar flower colors, they are frequently confused with one another.
Fortunately, once you know what to look for, telling them apart becomes surprisingly easy.
Meet the Two Plants
Henbit
(Lamium amplexicaule)
Henbit is a low-growing annual known for:
- Rounded leaves
- Purple flowers
- Early spring blooms
- Sprawling growth habit
Purple Deadnettle
(Lamium purpureum)
Purple Deadnettle is closely related but has:
- Triangular leaves
- Purple-tinted upper foliage
- More upright growth
- Dense flower clusters
Both plants belong to the mint family and often grow in similar locations.
The Easiest Way to Tell Them Apart
If you only remember one thing, remember the leaves.
Henbit Leaves
- Rounded shape
- Scalloped edges
- Upper leaves wrap around the stem
The leaf appears attached directly to the stem.
Purple Deadnettle Leaves
- Triangular or heart-shaped
- Pointed tips
- Distinct leaf stems
- Purple coloration near the top
The leaves do not wrap around the stem.
This is usually the fastest way to identify the plant.
Comparing the Flowers
Both plants produce purple tubular flowers.
Henbit Flowers
- Slightly larger
- More spread out along the stem
- Often appear beneath leaf clusters
Purple Deadnettle Flowers
- Clustered tightly near the top
- Surrounded by purple leaves
- More compact appearance
From a distance, the flowers can look very similar.
Comparing Growth Habits
Henbit
Henbit tends to:
- Sprawl outward
- Grow lower to the ground
- Form loose colonies
Purple Deadnettle
Purple Deadnettle typically:
- Grows more upright
- Appears denser
- Forms taller patches
When viewed from across a yard, Purple Deadnettle often appears more "bushy."
Comparing Color
Henbit
- Mostly green foliage
- Purple flowers
Purple Deadnettle
- Purple flowers
- Purple-tinted upper leaves
This purple coloration is one of the easiest visual clues.
Why Do They Appear So Early?
Both plants are cool-season annuals.
They begin growing during cooler weather and often bloom before many other plants have emerged.
Their early appearance helps provide:
- Spring color
- Early-season nectar
- Food for pollinators
For many people, they are among the first signs that winter is ending.
Henbit and Pollinators
Henbit attracts:
- Honeybees
- Native bees
- Bumblebees
Because it blooms early, it provides an important food source when few flowers are available.
Purple Deadnettle and Pollinators
Purple Deadnettle serves a similar role.
Its flowers help support:
- Early pollinators
- Beneficial insects
- Native bee populations
Many gardeners leave patches undisturbed for this reason.
Where Do They Grow?
Both plants commonly grow in:
- Lawns
- Gardens
- Fields
- Roadsides
- Pastures
Throughout Pennsylvania and Appalachia, it is common to see both species growing side-by-side.
Quick Identification Cheat Sheet
| Feature | Henbit | Purple Deadnettle |
|---|---|---|
| Leaf Shape | Rounded | Triangular |
| Upper Leaves | Wrap stem | Attached by stems |
| Growth Habit | Sprawling | Upright |
| Purple Foliage | No | Yes |
| Flower Arrangement | More spread out | Clustered at top |
Why Learning the Difference Matters
Understanding common backyard plants helps us appreciate the natural world around us.
Both Henbit and Purple Deadnettle:
- Support pollinators
- Signal the arrival of spring
- Contribute to biodiversity
- Provide opportunities to learn plant identification
Once you know how to distinguish them, you'll likely start spotting them everywhere.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which plant is more common in Pennsylvania?
Both are extremely common throughout Pennsylvania.
Are Henbit and Purple Deadnettle related?
Yes. Both belong to the mint family and the Lamium genus.
Which one has purple leaves?
Purple Deadnettle has purple-tinted upper foliage.
Which one has leaves that wrap around the stem?
Henbit.
Do both attract pollinators?
Absolutely. Both are valuable early-season nectar sources.
Why These Plants Deserve a Second Look
Although often dismissed as weeds, Henbit and Purple Deadnettle are fascinating parts of the spring landscape.
Their flowers support pollinators, their appearance signals the changing seasons, and their differences provide an excellent introduction to plant identification.
The next time you see a patch of purple flowers in your lawn, you'll know exactly what to look for.
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