General Plant Information (Edit)
Plant Habit: Herb/Forb
Life cycle: Perennial
Sun Requirements: Partial or Dappled Shade
Water Preferences: Mesic
Plant Height: 6'
Leaves: Broadleaf
Flower Color: Green
Bloom Size: Under 1"
Underground structures: Rhizome
Uses: Dye production
Culinary Herb
Medicinal Herb
Cooked greens
Will Naturalize
Edible Parts: Leaves
Eating Methods: Tea
Cooked
Dynamic Accumulator: K (Potassium)
Ca (Calcium)
S (Sulfur)
Fe (Iron)
Cu (Copper)
Na (Sodium)
Wildlife Attractant: Butterflies
Propagation: Seeds: Self fertile
Pollinators: Wind
Conservation status: Least Concern (LC)

Conservation status:
Conservation status: Least Concern
Image
Common names
  • Stinging Nettle
  • European Nettle

Photo Gallery
Location: Hohe Tauern - Austria

Date: 2013-06-19

Photo by Leo Michels

photo credit: R. A. Nonenmacher
Location: North Branch, MN
Date: 2017-05-31
Location: Nature reserve, Gent, Belgium
Date: 2013-08-26
Flowers still in bud.
Location: Meise botanical garden
Location: Meise botanical garden
Date: 2022-05-17
Location: Meise botanical garden
Date: 2022-05-17
Location: Northeastern Indiana
Date: Sep 28, 2011 1:19 PM
Location: Cedarhome, Washington
Date: 2016-06-24
Location: Medina Co., Texas
Date: July 2010
Stinging Nettle
Location: My woodlot, Cedarhome, Washington
Date: 2013-05-23

Photo by Leo Michels

photo credit: James Steakley
Location: Indiana zone 5
Location: Old ruined abbey, Gent, Belgium
Date: 2013-06-08

Courtesy Outsidepride
  • Uploaded by Joy
Location: Medina Co., Texas
Date: July 2010
Stinging Nettle
Location: Cedarhome, Washington
Date: 2014-03-13
Emerging in spring
Location: Brownstown Pennsylvania
Date: 2016-06-18

 Photo Courtesy of Baker Creek Heirloom Seeds. Used with permissi
  • Uploaded by Joy
Location: C & O Canal, Frederick County, Maryland
Date: 2013-04-05
Emerging spring growth

USDA
This plant is tagged in:
Image

Comments:
  • Posted by Bonehead (Planet Earth - Zone 8b) on May 31, 2013 2:45 PM concerning plant:
    Introduced from Europe, but now commonly found growing wild in the Pacific NW and throughout much of North America. Most animals will not eat fresh nettle (donkeys will). If dried in the sun, the sting/poison is destroyed and it can then be fed to animals. Cows will produce more milk, chickens will have a higher egg production, it will fatten poultry, and may be used as a tonic for weak horses. Beware of the sting - rubbing dirt on it is always my advice to kids, or if there is a sword fern or dock nearby that also helps. The tip of the stinging hair breaks off with the slightest contact, leaving a sharp point that easily pierces skin and acts as a miniature hypodermic needle, releasing its fluid into the flesh. I have found it will often pierce thin gloves.

    May be used as self-help for arthritic pain: http://jrs.sagepub.com/content...

    "If they would drink nettles in March / And eat mugwort in May / So many fine maidens / Would not go to clay." ~Traditional
  • Posted by LindaTX8 (Medina Co., TX - Zone 8a) on Dec 4, 2011 11:43 AM concerning plant:
    The first Stinging Nettle (Urtica dioica) I had came from a friend, who shared plants she originally got from a nursery. Later I bought seeds of Urtica dioica and grew some from those. This is the most popular herbal nettle which has been used for centuries by mankind. It is native to the temperate regions of Europe and Asia and various other places. Most likely brought to the U.S. by those who settled here and brought their herbal seeds. It has naturalized in many areas, joining the native stinging nettles, such as Urtica chamaedryoides. Nettle leaves are considered to be among the most valuable herbal remedies. Among its many nutrients are vitamin C, iron, vitamin K and Boron. It's used as a general tonic and to treat allergies, congestion, anemia, arthritis, Osteoporosis, dental plaque and is used in commercial hair conditioners. It requires care to collect the plant, however, as it can sting. I just use gloves or tongs to collect some for my tea. Once in hot water, it loses all stinging tendencies. Also, once it is dried it is harmless also. It can even be chopped up and added to food while cooking. Collect the fresher leaves.
  • Posted by SongofJoy (Clarksville, TN - Zone 6b) on Mar 18, 2012 8:19 AM concerning plant:
    Stinging nettle leaf has a long history (from ancient Greek times) as a diuretic and laxative.

    Stinging nettle root has been used for urination problems related to an enlarged prostate as well as for joint ailments and as an astringent. The above-ground parts are used for allergies, hayfever, and osteoarthritis.

    Some people use the above ground parts for internal bleeding, including bowel bleeding, uterine bleeding, and nosebleeds. Above ground parts have also been used for anemia, spleen problems, circulatory problems, excess stomach acid, diarrhea, dysentery, asthma, lung congestion, rash and eczema, cancer, wound healing, and as a general tonic.

    Above ground parts are sometimes used as a poultice applied to the skin for muscle aches and pains, oily scalp, oily hair, and hair loss.

    Young stinging nettle can be eaten as a cooked vegetable.

    In manufacturing, stinging nettle extract is used in hair and skin products.

    Be sure to tell your doctor if you are using any OTC herbs like this in order to prevent possible adverse interactions with some medications.
  • Posted by a2b1c3 (seattle wa) on Dec 29, 2012 12:16 PM concerning plant:
    If stung by plant the spores of the western sword fern can be rubbed on area to relieve pain.
    Mud also relieves pain
Plant Events from our members
dorothythomas98 On March 2, 2015 Plant emerged
dorothythomas98 On June 27, 2014 Obtained plant
From Lisa's Greenhouse
KelliW On March 11, 2020 Seeds germinated
KelliW On January 25, 2020 Seeds sown
wintersown outdoors in a jug, zone 6b
Retro67 On March 5, 2024 Seeds sown
Disturbed soil behind frost free, sowed seeds and topped with potting soil.
Retro67 On March 4, 2024 Obtained plant
Acquired seed from "Free The Seeds" event.
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