Urtica urens Annual nettle (Urticaceae)

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Urtica urens
Annual nettle
(1 Page of 5)

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

Cultivation | Propagation | General Uses
Medicinal | Edible Uses

Latin Name:  Urtica urens
Common Name:  Annual 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 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:  0.6   Mature Width:

Habitat:  A weed of cultivated land and waste places, preferring light soils[17].

Edible Uses: Young leaves - cooked and used as a potherb[1, 9, 12, 46, 105, 183]. 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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