Henbit

Henbit (Lamium amplexicaule)

       The small, one half inch purple to pink flowers of the Henbit brightens roadsides and lawns in early spring.
       Among the earliest blooming plants, the Henbit, also known as Henbit Deadnettle, blooms from early spring through early summer. An invasive plant, second only to the dandelion, it lingers later and thrives in well watered and fertilized lawns.
       This much maligned plant, a member of the Mint family and an introduced plant native to Europe, is now found throughout North America including all U.S. states and Canada except Alaska.
       The small purple flowers however, are a welcome sight to winter weary eyes as well as being an early source of food for hungry insects.
       The shape of the flowers brings to mind, visions of one-eyed aliens on the lookout.