Urtica californica Stinging nettle (Urticaceae)

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Urtica californica
Stinging nettle
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The Urtica californica plant species is found in Southwestern N. America - California. It is a member of the Urticaceae family. Common gardeners may know the plant as Stinging nettle.

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Latin Name:  Urtica californica
Common Name:  Stinging nettle
Family:  Urticaceae
Author:  Greene.

Known Hazards:  The leaves of the plants have stinging hairs, causing irritation to the skin[21, 200]. This action is neutralized by heat so the cooked leaves are perfectly safe and nutritious[200]. However, only young leaves should be used because older leaves develop gritty particles called cystoliths which act as an irritant to the kidneys[172].

Mature Height:  1.8   Mature Width:

Habitat:  Wet brushy thickets along the immediate coast[71].

Medicinal Information: The fresh leaves of nettles have been rubbed or beaten onto the skin in the treatment of rheumatism etc[K]. This practice, called urtification, causes intense irritation to the skin as it is stung by the nettles. It is believed that this treatment works in two ways. Firstly, it acts as a counter-irritant, bringing more blood to the area to help remove the toxins that cause rheumatism. Secondly, the formic acid from the nettles is believed to have a beneficial effect upon the rheumatic joints.

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Cultivation | Propagation | General Uses
Medicinal | Edible Uses

The information above has been supplied solely via the hard work and dedication of the team at 'Plants for a Future'.
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