Stinging Nettle
nUrtica dioica
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nType – PERENNIAL
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nExposure: Sun – Shade
nMoisture: Moist
nMax height: 6
nGrowing ease: high
nContainer tolerance: high
nAttracts: butterflies, caterpillars (HOST PLANT)
nUses: Edible (new leaves before flowering), tea
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nBloom and Fruits:Inconspicuous green flowers in June-July followed by seed heads in late summer (male and female flowers separate on the same plant for the North American subspecies).
nUse by people: Young shoots are edible, and can be used like spinach after boiling for 5 minutes to deactivate stings. Dried leaves can also be used for tea. Nettle is very healthy – great source of iron and vitamin C, Stinging nettle fibers were used to make twine, fishing nets, and rope. Stinging hairs can be used as a treatment for arthritic pain.
nWildlife value:
nFlowers are an excellent nectar source for butterflies and native bees. It is a host plant for many caterpillars including the American Painted Lady butterfly. It also attracts beneficial predatory insects.
nCare instructions: Stinging hairs on stems and leaves contain formic acid and cause skin irritation – handle with gloves. Spreads aggressively via rhizomes as well as seeds.