Urtica procera Stinging nettle (Urticaceae)

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Urtica procera
Stinging nettle
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The Urtica procera plant species is found in N. America. It is a member of the Urticaceae family. Common gardeners may know the plant as Stinging nettle. Some home gardeners know the variety as U. dioica gracilis. (Ait.)Seland.

Cultivation | Propagation | General Uses
Medicinal | Edible Uses

Latin Name:  Urtica procera
Common Name:  Stinging nettle
Family:  Urticaceae
Author:  Muhl.

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:     Mature Width:

Habitat:  Rich porous soils near lakes and ponds, wood and roadsides[159].

Medicinal Information: The leaves are haemostatic[257]. They have been dried, ground into a powder and used as a snuff to treat bleeding noses[257]. The fresh leaves of nettles have been rubbed or beaten onto the skin in the treatment of rheumatism etc[257]. 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. A shampoo made from the leaves is used to treat dandruff[159].

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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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