- Early spring growth in Omaha includes winter annual weeds, bulb foliage, daylilies, and forsythia.
- Henbit, chickweed, and field speedwell are common right now and usually fade as heat arrives.
- Forsythia bloom is a useful local clue that crabgrass germination is not far behind.
Mid-March in Omaha means things are starting to move. After a choppy winter with some warm stretches, the green is arriving fast this year. Some of it you planted. Some of it invited itself.
Here are early risers you’re probably seeing right now.
Henbit
Henbit is everywhere right now. They’re the low-growing purple flowers in patches across many parks and untended lawns. It germinated back in the fall and is taking advantage of a few warm days to bloom. It’s a winter annual, so it’ll fade on its own once summer heat arrives.
Chickweed
Chickweed is another early mover. Low, dense, and bright green, it thrives in the cool, moist conditions we’re getting right now. You’ll find it first wherever your lawn has thin or bare spots.
Field Speedwell
Field speedwell rounds out the weed crew with tiny blue/purple flowers close to the ground. Like henbit, it’s a winter annual that’s been waiting all winter for its moment.
Crocuses
Crocuses are usually the first intentional color to appear, often blooming before the last snow has fully melted. If you planted bulbs in the fall, the payoff is here!
Daffodils, Tulips, & Hyacinth
Daffodil and tulip shoots are pushing through. You’re probably seeing green spikes in your beds right now, with blooms a few weeks out. Hyacinths are right behind them.
Daylilies
If you spot green, spiky clumps emerging from your garden beds (like dense grass), those are likely daylily shoots getting an early start. Their flowers won’t arrive until mid-summer, but the foliage is already on its way.
Forsythia
And if you’ve noticed bright yellow shrubs lighting up around the neighborhood, that’s forsythia. It’s one of the most recognizable early spring signals in our neighborhood. Forsythia bloom is also a useful local clue for crabgrass germination, usually about three weeks later.
One note: None of the weeds above are cause for alarm. They’re winter annuals filling space your lawn hasn’t claimed yet. The fix for a weed-resistant lawn is thick, healthy turf built in the fall. Until then, enjoy the early color, whether it was planned or not!
