Henbit & Dead Nettle

Henbit

Henbit & Dead Nettle are close cousins, both members of the laminum - mint family. (It's called "dead" nettle because it doesn't sting.)  is it a weed? What is a "weed". If it's anything that you don't want growing in your garden, then I think henbit and dead nettle are not weeds. Henbit is a beautiful, edible groundcover for all those empty areas and bees like it too. Its one of the earliest blooming flowers in the spring when bees need food. It's also good for humans! 

Dead Nettle

Both are close to the ground and grow similar purple flowers. Dead nettle is larger, with larger purplish leaves on top as it matures. Both are edible raw or cooked. Henbit can be a bit peppery, tasting but mild otherwise and not at all like mint. Dead nettle is milder, more like spinach and is good in any dish where you would put spinach, but too much dead nettle can have a laxative effect. Both are high in vitamins and minerals, as are many of the edible "weeds" that grow in the lawn and are pulled out of the garden. They are a source of vitamins, A, C,  K, and iron. Dead nettle is also high in calcium, magnesium and manganese. 

Dead nettle is anti-microbial, anti-fungal and is a source of quercetin, making it anti-inflammatory. Henbit is a fever reducer, diuretic and helps aid digestion. It has been known as a "bloat-buster". Henbit is also a mild stimulant. Overeating either one can have a laxative effect.

One should wait to harvest these plants until after they flower. Once they have their distinctive flowers, they are not easily confused with other plants that should not be eaten.

Henbit

Henbit can be invasive and self seeds easily everywhere. Like any mint, if you are interested in growing it for food, maybe keep it in a large pot. It might take over the garden. I have it growing in my lawn but I am considering putting some in a pot where it is easier to separate from the grass. 

I would like some dead nettle, as well, and do know someone who has it growing in her yard. I might cut it down for her and move a plant to my garden. (I probably won't get there. It's a time issue. I don't have any!!)