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].

Edible Uses: Young leaves - cooked[159, 177]. A very nutritious food, high in vitamins and minerals, it makes an excellent spinach substitute and can also be added to soups and stews. Only use the young leaves and wear stout gloves when harvesting them to prevent getting stung. Although the fresh leaves have stinging hairs, thoroughly drying or cooking them destroys these hairs. Nettle beer is brewed from the young shoots[200].

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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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