Weed of the Day No. 2 - Henbit

Lamium amplexicaule, or Henbit (aka Giraffeshead) as it is commonly known, should be a fairly familiar sight to most Maine gardeners. This relatively short plant with hairy stems and tube shaped purple flowers blooms in the early spring and gives a little pop of color to the more moist areas of the yard. Although it has invasive characteristics it is not considered noxious and can actually help with erosion control in your yard.

This plant can sometimes be confused with Purple Deadnettle but the difference in the two can be seen in the leaves. Henbit has heart-shaped leaves with big scalloped edges that grow along the entire length of the stem. Purple Deadnettle has more triangular shaped leaves that grow in a big clumps.

The leaves look kind of like mint and with good reason. It is a member of the mint family and young leaves can be eaten raw or cooked. While doing the research, I ran across this recipe for Wild Weed salad. If they're gonna grow in the yard, why not make use of them, eh?

Wild Weed Salad
This recipe can be changed to suit what is in season at the time. Make sure you're aware of what your picking before you eat anything. That's just common sense.

1/2 cup young henbit leaves
1/2 cup young dandelion leaves
1 cup lamb's quarter new leaves
1 small head of butter lettuce, torn (optional)
1/2 cup tender nasturtium and violet leaves, torn
1/4 cup chive blossoms
1/4 cup rose or tulip petals
1/2 cup nasturtium and violet flowers
2 tsp. fresh mint chopped fine and bruised
2 Tablespoons chopped basil
2 cloves minced garlic
Salt and pepper to taste

Dressing
1 Tablespoon honey
3 ounces apple cider vinegar
1/4 cup salad oil

Carefully wash all the flowers and greens, let dry on paper towels. Mix gently in a salad bowl. Combine honey and apple cider vinegar, whisk in oil. Season to taste with salt and white pepper. Add dressing to salad and toss gently to coat all ingredients. Sprinkle with chopped almonds and serve.