Stinging Nettle
Urtica dioica
Urtica dioica, often known as common nettle, burn nettle, stinging nettle, nettle leaf, or just a nettle or stinger, is a herbaceous perennial flowering plant in the family Urticaceae. Originally native to Europe, much of temperate Asia and western North Africa, it is now found worldwide.
Description from Wikipedia (CC BY-SA).
⚠ Safety
Stings on contact (formic acid) — wear gloves. Cook before eating; don't eat once flowering.
At a glance
- Sunlight
- Partial shade
- Water need
- Medium
- Mature height
- 1.2 m
- Maintenance
- Low
- Hardiness
- USDA 3–10
- Layers
- herb
Functional roles
Propagation
How to make more of this plant for free — the permaculture way.
When: Divide roots spring
Top butterfly habitat, mineral-rich liquid feed, and spring greens. Keep a patch contained.
Where to get it
Read more
Seed data pending expert review. Identification photo and description are sourced from Wikipedia/Wikimedia; always confirm a plant in person before eating any part of it.