Species Specifics: Henbit
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Over time, henbit can become a problem you wish you treated sooner. Treat your pasture today with DuraCor® herbicide.
FAST FACTS
- Henbit germinates in the fall, overwinters and then begins growing again in early spring.
- Due to its growth habits, henbit can outcompete desirable grasses in early spring.
- If consumed, henbit can cause “staggers” in cattle, which can lead to convulsions.
- DuraCor® herbicide can be used to control henbit in the fall — henbit is especially susceptible to the herbicide during the early growth stages of the plant. Once the weed matures, it can become more difficult to control.
WHAT TO LOOK FOR
Henbit (Lamium amplexicaule) is a winter annual from the mint family, but unlike many of its relatives, it does not have a strong mint odor. It features square stems and pink-purple flowers, reaching 16 inches in height. Its leaves reach 5 inches in length and are circular to heart-shaped with rounded teeth on the edges. Its flowers occur in whorls in the upper leaves and are fused into a tube ⅔ inch long.
WHERE IT IS FOUND
Henbit is native to Eurasia and northern Africa and arrived in North America in the 1700s in livestock feed. It prefers light, dry and cultivated soils, making pastures susceptible to infestations. It also commonly grows along roadsides, in croplands and on lawns.
HOW TO TREAT IT
Henbit, and other winter annuals, have not been seen as a major problem in pastures until recent years. Shorter and lighter winters over the past few years have allowed henbit to compete with pasture grasses, especially fescue and bermudagrass, in early spring. If not controlled during early stages, it can establish in pastures quickly and become a bigger problem.
To eradicate it, apply 16 to 20 fluid ounces of DuraCor® herbicide per acre any time in the fall after germination through late winter. Use lower rates when weeds are small and increase rate as season progresses until senescence. Use a 1% v/v Methylated Seed Oil (MSO) with DuraCor to optimize control.
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™ ® Trademarks of Corteva Agriscience and its affiliated companies. Under normal field conditions, DuraCor® is nonvolatile. DuraCor has no grazing or haying restrictions for any class of livestock, including lactating dairy cows, horses (including lactating mares) and meat animals prior to slaughter. Label precautions apply to forage treated with DuraCor and to manure and urine from animals that have consumed treated forage. DuraCor is not registered for sale or use in all states. Contact your state pesticide regulatory agency to determine if a product is registered for sale or use in your state. Consult the label for full details. Always read and follow label directions. ® 2021 Corteva.
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