Urtica dioica Stinging nettle (Urticaceae)

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Urtica dioica
Stinging nettle
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The Urtica dioica plant species is found in Britain. It is a member of the Urticaceae family. Common gardeners may know the plant as Stinging nettle.

Cultivation | Propagation | General Uses
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Latin Name:  Urtica dioica
Common Name:  Stinging nettle
Family:  Urticaceae
Author:  L.

Known Hazards:  The leaves of the plants have stinging hairs, causing irritation to the skin[21, 200]. This action is neutralized by heat or by thorough drying, 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:  1.2   Mature Width:  1

Habitat:  Waste ground, hedgerows, woods etc, preferring a rich soil and avoiding acid soils[4, 9].

Cultivation Notes: Prefers a soil rich in phosphates and nitrogen. Plants must be grown in a deep rich soil if good quality fibre is required[4, 115]. Nettles are one of the most undervalued of economic plants. They have a wide range of uses, for food, medicines, fibres etc and are also a very important plant for wildlife. There are at least 30 species of insects that feed on it and the caterpillars of several lepidoptera species are dependant upon it for food[30]. Especially when growing in rich soils, the plant can spread vigorously and is very difficult to eradicate. It is said that cutting the plant down three times a year for three years will kill it[4]. It is a good companion plant to grow in the orchard and amongst soft fruit[53, 54]. So long as it is not allowed to totally over-run the plants, it seems to improve the health of soft fruit that grows nearby and also to protect the fruit from birds, but it makes harvesting very difficult. Dioecious. Male and female plants must be grown if seed is required.

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Cultivation | Propagation | General Uses
Medicinal | Edible Uses

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