I could tell what plant was blooming a block away. It was not because I could discern that the flora had leaves opposite along the stem or that the stem was square (both attributes of plants in the mint family), but due to its muted purple color of a sea of flowers within the turf. This past weekend when I was about running errands, I noticed the splotches all around town. This past summer's heat and lack of rainfall I suspect created the perfect storm of conditions allowing Henbit to infiltrate lawns that had been compromised.
Plants of the mint family are generally cold tolerant. Henbit (also known as Henbit deadnettle or Horsemint) is one of them. It is a small plant as well but can easily provide a carpet of color across a large area. It is an annual that seeds readily. Because it flowers early, an abundance of pollinators may not be available. Not to worry, as it self pollinates profusely.
Pretty to some, but a bane to others, as the season progresses the foliage will blend into the green surroundings
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