Urtica dioica
A herbaceous perennial with stinging hairs that forms dense colonies in moist, nitrogen-rich habitats via rhizomes, with edible young leaves used in soups and teas and historically valued for anti-inflammatory, diuretic, and allergy-relief benefits, ecologically important as a nitrogen indicator and caterpillar food source, and whose flowers attract pollinators.
Common Names
Stinging Nettle, Common Nettle, California Nettle, Nettle, Tall Nettle, Burn Nettle, Slender Nettle, American Stinging Nettle, Hoary Nettle
Summary
Stinging nettle is a tall, rhizomatous perennial herb native to Europe and Asia and now widely naturalized, reaching about 1–2 m in height. Leaves are opposite, teardrop- to heart-shaped with serrated margins, and stems bear stinging hairs that inject histamine, acetylcholine, serotonin, and formic acid on contact; it is dioecious and forms dense colonies via creeping rhizomes. Found in moist, nutrient-rich habitats such as roadsides, riverbanks, woodland edges, grasslands, and disturbed soils, it features catkin-like flowers and an irritant effect on skin; foraging occurs March–November, with leaves/shoots best in spring and roots harvested in autumn–winter, while protective clothing is advised when handling.
Cultivation and uses: prefers rich, moist loamy soil and tolerates sun to partial shade; hardy in USDA zones 3–10; propagates by seeds or division and spreads via rhizomes; control typically involves removing flowers and regular harvesting to limit spread. Leaves are edible when cooked and taste like spinach, used as greens in soups, stews, and teas, with broader traditional medicinal uses and textile fiber applications; handle with gloves to avoid stings and harvesting should be done regularly to encourage new growth.
Lifecycle
Perennial
Height
3-7 feet
Spread
1-6.5 feet
Hardiness Zones
Zones 3-10
Sunlight Requirements
Ideally full sun to partial shade.
Soil Type
Moist, loamy soil rich in organic matter with good drainage
Soil Drainage
Moist, well-drained soil
Soil pH
5.0-8.0, tolerates acidic to alkaline, no specific ideal pH
Bloom Color
Greenish
Bloom Time
Spring, Summer, and Fall
Foliage Color
Green
Fall Foliage Color
Yellow
Leaf Lifecycle
Deciduous
Growth Rate
Rapid growth
Seasons of Interest
Spring, Summer, Fall
Propagation Methods
Seeds, Cuttings, Division, Layering
Attracts Wildlife
Attracts bees, butterflies, other pollinators, birds
Taxonomy
- Taxonomic Rank
- Species
- Author
- L.
- Publication
- Sp. Pl. : 984 (1753)
Superior Taxa
- Kingdom
- Plantae
- Subkingdom
- Pteridobiotina
- Phylum
- Angiosperms
- Order
- Rosales
- Family
- Urticaceae
- Genus
- Urtica
Inferior Taxa
Urtica dioica subsp. afghanica Urtica dioica subsp. dioica Urtica dioica subsp. gansuensis Urtica dioica subsp. kurdistanica Urtica dioica subsp. pubescens Urtica dioica subsp. sondenii Urtica dioica subsp. subinermis Urtica dioica var. glabrata Urtica dioica var. hispida Urtica dioica var. holosericea Urtica dioica var. sarmatica
Synonyms
Urtica dioica subsp. eu-dioica Urtica dioica var. vulgaris Urtica dioica var. latifolia Urtica dioica var. ramosa