How much sun does Small Henbit need?

Small Henbit grows best in part shade conditions.

When does Small Henbit bloom?

Small Henbit blooms in March, April, and May.

What pollinators does Small Henbit attract?

Small Henbit draws bees and beetles.

Is Small Henbit HOA-friendly?

Small Henbit takes more care to look intentional in a front yard. Consider it for backyard or mid-zone beds rather than the street edge.

Small Henbit

Name: Pollinator Patch
Author: Pollinator Patch

Veronica hederifolia

Last reviewed: August 2026

Toxicity unknown

Small Henbit (Veronica hederifolia) is not listed by the ASPCA Animal Poison Control Center (opens in new tab) or the other sources we check, so we have no verdict for it either way. Absence from those lists is not a clearance. If your pet shows symptoms after eating any plant, call the ASPCA at (888) 426-4435.

Light

part shade

Water

medium

Size

4"–12" H × 6"–18" W

Bloom

Mar, Apr, May

Pollinators

bees, beetles

Native alternatives to Small Henbit

Small Henbit is not native to the United States. These natives fill a similar role in a planting, matched on bloom season, bloom color and mature size.

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Small henbit is a low-growing annual wildflower that forms spreading mats of small, rounded leaves. It produces tiny blue or purple flowers in spring and thrives in partially shaded areas with moderate moisture.

In an HOA neighborhood

Small Henbit takes more care to keep looking intentional in a front yard. Maintenance level: low. Consider it for backyard or mid-zone beds rather than the street edge.

Works well in: backyard only.

Often considered a lawn weed
Spreads aggressively and can look unkempt
Annual growth pattern creates bare spots when plants die back

Wildlife value

This plant provides early spring nectar for bees and beetles when few other flowers are available. Its low growth habit also offers ground cover habitat for beneficial insects.

Common questions

How much sun does Small Henbit need?: Small Henbit grows best in part shade conditions.
When does Small Henbit bloom?: Small Henbit blooms in March, April, and May.
What pollinators does Small Henbit attract?: Small Henbit draws bees and beetles.
Is Small Henbit HOA-friendly?: Small Henbit takes more care to look intentional in a front yard. Consider it for backyard or mid-zone beds rather than the street edge.

Pollinator and host plant associations compiled from GBIF, iNaturalist, and published ecological literature.

If something looks wrong

Common plant problems, and what to check first

These come up on almost any plant. Each guide lists the likely causes in the order they are worth ruling out, with one thing to check before you act on any of them, and links to the source it came from.

See all plant problem guides

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