Type – PERENNIAL
Exposure: Sun – Shade
Moisture: Moist
Max height: 6
Growing ease: high
Container tolerance: high
Attracts: butterflies, caterpillars (host plant)
Uses: Edible (new leaves before flowering), tea
Host plant for many moth and butterfly species including Question Mark, Milberts Tortoiseshell, and Red Admiral. Inconspicuous green flowers in June-July followed by seed heads in late summer. 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–a great source of iron and vitamin C. Stinging nettle fibres are used to make twine, fishing nets, and rope. Stinging hairs can be used as a treatment for arthritic pain.
Stinging hairs on stems and leaves contain formic acid and cause skin irritation – handle with gloves. Spreads aggressively via rhizomes as well as seeds. Spread can be controlled by planting in a submerged pot and deadheading.
