Lamium amplexicaule L. Common Henbit

Lamium amplexicaule L. - Common Henbit

Scientific Description:

Annual. Stems 1−45 cm, pubescent to subglabrous. Leaves ovate-reniform to suborbicular, (2.5−)7−25(−30) × (2.6−)7−25(−30) mm, cordate to obtuse, crenate, doubly crenate or palmately lobed. Bracts suborbicular to broadly triangular, amplexicaul, lower (6−)7−25(−30) × (6−)10−31(−35) mm. Verticillasters l−5(−7), 4−10-flowered. Calyx 4−8.5 mm, tubular, teeth 1.5−4(−4.5) mm, equalling or slightly longer than tube. Corolla purplish, with purple spots on lower lip, 13−28 mm; tube whitish, 10−25 mm, straight, without annulus; upper up 2−6 mm. Nutlets (1.5−)1.9−2.5(−3.0) × (0.7−)0.9−1.5 mm, smooth, dark brown, with or without whitish spots. Sometimes cleistogamous.

Flowering time: February−November.

Habitat: Hillsides, open steppe, cultivated land, roadsides, waste places, 3−2270 m.

Reference:

Mill RR (1982). Lamium amplexicaule L., In: Davis PH (ed.), Flora of Turkey and the East Aegean Islands, Edinburgh University Press, Edinburgh, 7: 138.

Public Description:

Lamium amplexicaule, known as “common henbit” or “henbit deadnettle”, is native to Europe, Asia and northern Africa. It is an annual plant with pink or purple flowers, and grows up to 45 cm in length. It blooms between February and November, and is found in hillsides, open steppe, cultivated land, roadsides and waste places. Edible leaves and flowers are used making meal and tea. It has a slightly sweet and peppery flavor, similar to celery.

References:

Anonymous 1 (2016). https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Lamium_amplexicaule /, Accessed date: 14.02.2016.

Anonymous 2 (2016). http://www.pfaf.org/user/Plant.aspx?LatinName=Lamium+amplexicaule /, Accessed date: 14.02.2016.

Anonymous 3 (2016). http://www.ediblewildfood.com/henbit.aspx /, Accessed date: 14.02.2016.

Dirmenci T (2012). Lamium L., In: Güner, A., Aslan, S., Ekim, T., Vural, M. & Babaç, M.T. (eds.), Türkiye Bitkileri Listesi (Damarlı Bitkiler). Nezahat Gökyiğit Botanik Bahçesi ve Flora Araştırmaları Derneği Yayını. İstanbul, pp. 555–558.