Purple Deadnettle

What it looks like

Has a square stem and triangular, heart-shaped leaves that are all attached by little stalks (petioled), unlike henbit whose upper leaves clasp the stem directly. The top leaves often have a purplish tinge, which is where it gets its name.

Often mistaken for: Henbit

When it shows up in the Triangle

Shows up in the Triangle from around February through April, usually right alongside henbit.

Where you’ll see it

Found in thin, weak turf areas of home lawns.

What you can do

• Overseed thin spots in the fall to thicken up your turf
• Keep up with regular fertility so grass can crowd out weeds
• Mow at a proper height to encourage dense growth
• Hand-pull small patches before they go to seed
• Address bare or thin areas early, since dense turf is the best long-term defense