In the spring of every year I get asked this question at least 132 times. After 15 years as an extension agent this is an easy question to answer. It's henbit. The harder part is what really needs to be done to control or prevent them.

Winter annuals like henbit grow from seed that sprout in the fall or winter. During the cold temperatures of winter the plants remain dormant, waiting for warm weather of spring to arrive. Henbit thrives in thin lawn areas where there is plenty of moisture.

Everyone wants to know what to do about it when they see it. For most lawns, a lawn herbicide labeled for the grass type you have can be applied to help with control. Some examples are Southern Weed Killer for Lawns, Weed Out, and Weed Stop.

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