These Purple Flowers Covering Midwest Fields Aren’t What You Think

May you start noticing those beautiful purple flowers popping up in fields all across Missouri and Illinois? They seem to be everywhere, but are they actually flowers, or just weeds?

You may have also spotted them growing in farm fields. So what are they? According to the Missouri Department of Conservation, those purple blooms are called henbit.

What is henbit?

Despite its pretty appearance, henbit isn’t considered a wildflower—it’s actually a common weed that blooms in early spring. Its small, bright purple flowers stand out, especially when they blanket large fields.

A warning for allergy sufferers

If you deal with spring allergies, you may want to admire these from a distance. Henbit produces pollen and nectar, which can trigger allergy symptoms and attract bees. So in addition to sneezing, you could also end up drawing more bees to your yard or outdoor spaces.

These flowers won’t last long for two reasons. First, henbit only blooms in March and April. Second, planting season is right around the corner, and farmers will soon begin tilling their fields, clearing away the plants.

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Still, while they’re here, they make for a beautiful sight. And if your allergies allow, snapping a few photos of these vibrant purple fields can make for a stunning springtime shot.