Stinging nettle
urtica dioica
Also known as: ["Common nettle","Greater nettle","Nettle"]
Overview
A herbaceous perennial plant known for its stinging hairs that can cause irritation upon contact.
Benefits & Perks
["medicinal use","wildlife attractant (bees, butterflies, birds)","drought tolerant"]
Botanical Classification
| Phylum: | Magnoliophyta |
| Class: | Magnoliopsida |
| Order: | Urticales |
| Family: | Urticaceae |
| Genus: | Urtica |
| Botanical Name: | Urtica dioica |
Plant Characteristics
Basic Information
- Category: Herbs & Weeds
- Suitable Location: garden bed in partial shade, or container with ample space for roots
- Suitable For:
- Is Weed: No
- Allergenicity: high
Environmental Needs
- Climate: {"temperatureRange":"0–30°C"}
- Hardiness: {"zones":"3–9"}
- Misting: rarely required, only if grown in very dry indoor environments
- Drainage: Moderately well-draining; should not remain waterlogged but retain some moisture.
- Soil Type: Rich, loamy soil with good organic matter content; well-draining but moisture-retentive.
Maintenance Level
- Maintenance Level: moderate
- Toughness Level: moderate
- Pruning Frequency: Annually in late winter or early spring; light pruning can be done as needed throughout the growing season.
- Pruning Intensity: Moderate; remove up to one-third of the oldest stems to rejuvenate growth.
Care Details
Ideal Sunlight Coverage:
Full sun to partial shade (4–6 hours of direct sunlight daily); tolerates partial shade in hotter climates.
Sunlight Tolerance Tips:
Acclimate plants gradually to intense sunlight; protect from harsh afternoon sun in hot regions; adjust placement based on seasonal light intensity.
Care Requirements
Care Difficulty
easymoderate
Sunlight
full sun to partial shade
Rotate plant for even light exposure; provide shade during peak summer heat; monitor for signs of sunburn.
Watering
every 7–10 days, more frequently in hot, dry conditions
Water thoroughly until it drains from the bottom; allow soil to dry slightly between waterings; avoid waterlogging.
Soil
rich, moist, well-drained loamy soil
pH: Slightly acidic to neutral (pH 6.0–7.0).
Ensure soil is consistently moist but not waterlogged; amend with organic matter for fertility; check pH periodically.
Temperature
Prefers cool to moderate temperatures (60–75°F or 15–24°C); tolerates cooler climates but may struggle in extreme heat.
Avoid sudden temperature fluctuations; protect from frost; ensure good air circulation in hot weather.
Fertilizing
every 4–6 weeks during active growth with balanced liquid fertilizer
Apply fertilizer to moist soil to prevent root burn; flush soil occasionally to prevent salt buildup; reduce frequency in dormant periods.
Propagation
Methods
Stem cuttings or division; stem cuttings are the most common method for home growers.
Step-by-Step Propagation Guide
- Take a 4–6 inch cutting just below a node.
- Remove lower leaves.
- Dip in rooting hormone (optional).
- Plant in moist medium.
- Keep warm and humid.
Best Time: Spring or early summer when the plant is actively growing.
Environment
Warm, humid environment with indirect light; maintain consistent moisture.
Medium
Well-draining potting mix or perlite and peat moss mixture.
Hormone
Rooting hormone is optional but can improve success rates.
Timeline
Roots typically develop in 2–4 weeks; new growth may appear in 6–8 weeks.
Tools Needed
Pruning shears, rooting hormone (optional), small pots, well-draining medium.
Quick Tips
Use healthy, non-flowering stems; maintain high humidity around cuttings; keep out of direct sunlight.
Pruning & Repotting
Pruning Guide
Method
Cut stems back to a healthy bud or lateral branch; remove dead or crossing branches.
Pruning Plan
Prune to maintain shape, encourage bushier growth, and remove dead or damaged stems.
Tools
Pruning shears, gloves (to protect from stinging hairs), clean cutting tools.
Checklist
Wear gloves; sterilize tools; prune during dormancy; remove dead/damaged growth; shape as desired.
Repotting Guide
Best Season
Early spring before active growth begins.
Pot Size
Increase pot size by 1–2 inches in diameter; ensure the new pot has drainage holes.
Method
Remove plant gently; trim any circling roots; place in a slightly larger pot with fresh, well-draining soil; water thoroughly after repotting.
Suggestions
Repot every 2–3 years or when roots fill the container; beneficial for container-grown plants to refresh soil and provide space.
Checklist
Choose appropriate pot size; use fresh soil mix; trim roots if necessary; water after repotting; place in appropriate light.
Advanced Care Tips
Watering Mastery
Watering Checklist
Check soil moisture before watering; water deeply; ensure drainage; adjust frequency with seasons.
How to Apply Water Properly
Water at the base of the plant, ensuring moisture reaches the root zone; water early in the morning to minimize evaporation; ensure excess water drains away to prevent root rot.
Watering Schedule Tips
Water deeply once the top inch of soil feels dry; increase frequency in hot/dry seasons, reduce in winter.
Soil Improvement
Add compost or well-rotted manure to enhance fertility and structure; incorporate perlite or sand for better drainage if needed.
Temperature Stress Management
Signs of Temperature Issues
Wilting, yellowing leaves, stunted growth, or leaf drop in extreme heat; browning leaf edges in cold stress.
Cold Stress
Slows growth, may cause leaf discoloration, and can lead to dieback in prolonged cold exposure.
Solution: Provide frost protection in cold climates; mulch around the base to insulate roots; move potted plants to a sheltered location.
Hot Stress
Leaves may wilt, curl, or scorch; growth may slow; increased susceptibility to pests and diseases.
Solution: Increase watering frequency; provide partial shade during peak heat; improve air circulation around the plant.
Fertilizing Guide
Fertilizing Checklist
Use diluted fertilizer; apply during active growth; avoid winter feeding; flush soil periodically.
Fertilizing Method
Use a balanced, water-soluble fertilizer diluted to half strength; fertilize every 4–6 weeks during the growing season (spring to early fall); avoid fertilizing in winter.
Common Problems & Solutions
Toxicity Warning
Cats
Slightly ToxicCats may experience localized irritation and inflammation upon contact with the stinging hairs of Urtica dioica. The effects are generally mild and do not typically cause systemic toxicity.
⚠️ Symptoms:
🌿 Toxic Parts:
⚡ Toxic If:
if touched
Dogs
Slightly ToxicSimilar to humans, dogs may experience localized irritation and inflammation if they come into contact with the stinging hairs of Urtica dioica. The effects are typically mild and self-limiting.
⚠️ Symptoms:
🌿 Toxic Parts:
⚡ Toxic If:
if touched
Humans
Slightly ToxicUrtica dioica, commonly known as stinging nettle, contains trichomes that inject histamine and other chemicals upon contact, causing localized irritation and inflammation. The effects are generally mild and transient, resolving without long-term physiological impact.
⚠️ Symptoms:
🌿 Toxic Parts:
⚡ Toxic If:
if touched
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: Is stinging nettle safe to touch?
A: No, its hairs contain histamine and other compounds that can cause a stinging sensation upon contact.
Q: Can stinging nettle be used for culinary purposes?
A: Yes, when properly cooked, the stinging hairs are deactivated, and the leaves can be used in soups and teas.
Q: Does stinging nettle have any medicinal benefits?
A: Yes, it has been traditionally used to treat arthritis, allergies, and other inflammatory conditions.
Quick Reference
| Family: | Urticaceae |
| Care: | easy |
| Light: | full sun to partial shade |
| Water: | every 7–10 days, more freque |
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