ST. LOUIS – If you’ve noticed bright purple fields popping up across Missouri, it’s a sure sign that spring has arrived to Missouri. But these vibrant blooms might not be what you think.
Many fields around the St. Louis area may appear to be bursting with purple flowers, except they’re not.
The culprit? A common weed called Henbit, scientifically known as Lamium amplexicaule.
While Henbit is considered a weed, it can actually benefit farmers as a natural cover crop.
Cover crops help protect fields between harvest and planting seasons by preventing erosion, improving organic matter and adding biomass to the soil. Farmers who value sustainability and regenerative farming may consider Henbit for its ability to maintain soil health.
Henbit tends to grow suddenly in the early spring, which explains its presence across Missouri. It tends to grow in clusters closer to the ground, blanketing fields in purple before farmers clear their land for planting season.
While visually appealing, Henbit isn’t exactly ideal for home gardens and can trigger some allergies for those sensitive to pollen. The blooms attract bees, so it’s strongly encouraged to admire the vibrant display from a distance rather than up close while it lasts.
The Missouri Department of Conservation further describes Henbit as a “branching, soft, weedy plant with square stems” and observed “in terminal clusters, subtended by sessile (stalkless) leaves.”
NOTE: Video is from FOX 2’s coverage of a similar topic from April 2024.