What is this pungent, purple flower that has petals like tiny orchards?

January 26, 2012 4:12 AM

It's growing wild. Smells very unique - hard to put down exactly but some far away notes of maybe oregano/nasturtium - but that's just a guess. The whole plant/flower is soft. It grows among the thistles, tall grasses and other assortments including nettles and cleavers. The flower itself is a pink/purple with white streaks. Photos Here
posted by watercarrier to science & nature (9 answers total)

That's henbit.
posted by bunderful at 4:19 AM on January 26, 2012

It is! Thank you so much. Should I know anything about it?
posted by watercarrier at 4:31 AM on January 26, 2012

When I was a kid we would pull the purple flower out and eat the tiny white bit at the end. I believe that exhausts my knowledge :)
posted by bunderful at 4:36 AM on January 26, 2012 [2 favorites]

Cool. Thank you again. Now I know about this cute little flower with the exotic smell. Cheers :)
posted by watercarrier at 4:47 AM on January 26, 2012

Apparently you can eat it:)
posted by leigh1 at 4:50 AM on January 26, 2012 [1 favorite]

Apparently it's great crushed on wounds, it stops bleeding quickly as a poultice, can be smoked - as a calmative - and all sorts of nice healing properties I'm finding.
posted by watercarrier at 4:58 AM on January 26, 2012

It is considered a weed in my area, but I love the smell of it. I have never eaten it.
posted by aabbbiee at 6:32 AM on January 26, 2012

All you need to know about henbit, is that it's the best and cutest little plant ever!
posted by Coatlicue at 6:56 AM on January 26, 2012

It's a member of the mint family, as is oregano - you can tell mints by their square stems.
posted by jocelmeow at 2:27 PM on January 26, 2012 [1 favorite]