Numerous broadleaf weeds thrive on turf with the onset of warmer temperatures. Henbit and chickweed, both visible now, are the most common winter annuals. Both germinate in early fall and overwinter as juvenile plants. Henbit can be identified by its squarish stems and small, deeply veined leaves, which are less than one inch across when mature. Upper leaves are attached directly to the stem.
Flowers are bluish-purple and shaped like a tiny trumpet.
Chickweed is pale green in color and is best characterized by its small egg or teardrop shaped leaves. The plant can produce numerous stalks, which can extend 4-8 inches above the turfgrass canopy. Chickweed flowers are white with five split petals, so they appear to have 10 petals. Henbit and chickweed are annual plants that rely upon seed dispersal to produce the next generation of plants. Both will begin flowering in the next couple of weeks, so apply control soon as possible.