Henbit
Henbit is very common in spring (can cover large portions of farmer’s fields). It has a purpleish pink flower and leaves that mainly grow around the (often redish) stem, which is square. Leaves are deeply scalloped (no hairs). This is a winter annual.
Creeping Charlie (aka Ground Ivy)
Creeping Charlie has a purpleish, blue flower. Leaves are round (or kidney-shaped, with hairs), and on short stems from the main stem. (Aka, ground ivy, creeping Jenny.) Creeping Charlie is a perennial weed. It’s harder to get rid of than henbit. It is a mint, and if you crush the leaves, they have a strong, mint smell.
Purple Deadnettle (the +1)
Purple deadnettle is a winter annual. Flower is purpleish pink, like henbit. Leaves are heart-shaped with a point (with hairs). Purple deadnettle seems to be less common in western Illinois. Like creeping charlie it is a mint. Like Henbit, it has a square stem.
we have all three of these weeds in our neighborhood and it’s fun to identify what when we’re out on a walk.
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