Nettle tree

datisca cannabina

Also known as: ["Nettle tree","False nettle"]

Family: Datiscaceae Genus: Datisca Category: Shrubs

Overview

A deciduous shrub or small tree native to the Mediterranean region, known for its large, heart-shaped leaves and dioecious flowers.

Benefits & Perks

["aesthetic foliage","wildlife attractant (bees, butterflies, birds)"]

Botanical Classification

Phylum: Magnoliophyta
Class: Magnoliopsida
Order: Cucurbitales
Family: Datiscaceae
Genus: Datisca
Botanical Name: Datisca cannabina

Plant Characteristics

Basic Information
  • Category: Shrubs
  • Suitable Location: outdoor garden bed in a sunny or partially shaded area
  • Suitable For:
    Collectors & Enthusiasts Outdoor Landscapers Wildlife Supporters
  • Is Weed: No
  • Allergenicity: low
Environmental Needs
  • Climate: {"temperatureRange":"10–35°C"}
  • Hardiness: {"zones":"7–9"}
  • Misting: rarely required, only if ambient humidity is very low
  • Drainage: Fast-draining to prevent waterlogging.
  • Soil Type: Well-draining, loamy soil with organic matter; can tolerate poor soils but prefers fertility.
Maintenance Level
  • Maintenance Level: moderate
  • Toughness Level: moderate
  • Pruning Frequency: Annually in late winter or early spring before new growth begins.
  • Pruning Intensity: Moderate; remove up to one-third of old growth to rejuvenate the plant.
Care Details

Ideal Sunlight Coverage:
Full sun to partial shade; 6–8 hours of direct sunlight daily, with some afternoon shade in hot climates.

Sunlight Tolerance Tips:
Acclimate gradually to intense sunlight; protect from harsh midday sun; adjust placement based on outdoor vs. indoor conditions.

Warning Signs: Yellowing leaves, root rot, or stunted growth indicate poor soil conditions or improper watering.

Care Requirements

Care Difficulty
moderate

moderate

Sunlight

full sun to partial shade

Rotate plant for even light exposure; use shade cloth in extreme heat; monitor for sunburn.

Watering

every 7–10 days during growing season, reduce in winter

Water thoroughly until it drains from the bottom, allow soil to dry between waterings, avoid wetting foliage.

Soil

well-draining, loamy soil with moderate organic content

pH: Slightly acidic to neutral (pH 6.0–7.0).

Ensure good drainage, enrich with organic matter, avoid compacted soil.

Temperature

Prefers warm to hot conditions, 70–85°F (21–29°C); tolerates mild frosts but thrives in heat.

Protect from frost, ensure good air flow in heat, adjust watering with temperature changes.

Fertilizing

every 4–6 weeks during active growth

Fertilize only when actively growing; flush soil occasionally to prevent salt buildup; use organic options for gentle feeding.

Propagation

Methods

Stem cuttings or division; stem cuttings are more common for home growers.

Step-by-Step Propagation Guide
  1. Take a healthy cutting, apply rooting hormone, plant in medium, keep moist, wait for roots.

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 with perlite or sand; can also root in water initially.

Hormone

Rooting hormone is recommended to improve success rates.

Timeline

Roots may develop in 3–6 weeks; establish in new pot within 1–2 months.

Tools Needed

Pruning shears, rooting hormone, small pots, well-draining mix, misting spray bottle.

Quick Tips

Use healthy, non-flowering stems; keep cuttings out of direct sun; maintain humidity with a plastic bag.

Pruning & Repotting

Pruning Guide
Method

Selective cutting of stems, thinning out crowded areas, shaping for aesthetic balance.

Pruning Plan

Prune to maintain shape, encourage bushier growth, and remove dead or diseased parts.

Tools

Pruning shears, sharp knife, gloves, disinfectant for tools.

Checklist

Disinfect tools, prune dead/damaged growth, shape plant, clean up debris, monitor for regrowth.

Repotting Guide
Best Season

Early spring before active growth starts.

Pot Size

Choose a pot one size larger (2–3 inches wider) than the current one.

Method

Remove plant gently, trim roots if needed, place in new pot with fresh soil, water lightly.

Suggestions

Repot every 2–3 years or when roots fill the pot; beneficial for growth and soil refresh.

Checklist

Prepare new pot, trim roots if crowded, use fresh soil, water lightly, place in shade temporarily.

Advanced Care Tips

Watering Mastery
Watering Checklist

Check soil moisture, water deeply, ensure drainage, adjust for season.

How to Apply Water Properly

Water directly at the root zone, ensure even saturation, allow excess water to drain, water in the morning to reduce evaporation.

Pro Tip: Use a watering can with a narrow spout to target roots precisely.
Watering Schedule Tips

Water deeply once the top inch of soil feels dry; reduce frequency in winter to prevent root rot.

Soil Improvement

Add compost or aged manure for fertility; mix perlite or sand for drainage; use mulch to retain moisture.

Temperature Stress Management
Signs of Temperature Issues

Wilting, leaf drop, yellowing, or stunted growth in extreme cold or heat.

Cold Stress

Slows growth, may cause leaf drop or dieback in prolonged cold; vulnerable to frost damage.

Solution: Provide frost protection in winter, move to a sheltered location, avoid sudden temperature drops.

Hot Stress

Leaves may scorch, wilt, or drop; growth may slow in excessive heat without adequate water.

Solution: Increase watering, provide partial shade, use mulch to retain soil moisture, improve air circulation.

Fertilizing Guide
Fertilizing Checklist

Check growth phase, dilute fertilizer, apply to soil, avoid foliage contact, stop in winter.

Fertilizing Method

Use balanced liquid fertilizer diluted to half strength every 4–6 weeks during growing season (spring/summer); avoid fertilizing in winter.

Common Problems & Solutions

Yellowing leaves in Datisca cannabina may indicate nutrient deficiencies, overwatering, or pest infestations, affecting photosynthesis and overall plant health.

Wilting in Datisca cannabina can result from water stress, either due to drought or overwatering, impacting nutrient uptake and potentially leading to plant death.

Leaf spots on Datisca cannabina may be caused by fungal or bacterial pathogens, leading to reduced photosynthetic efficiency and potential defoliation.

Rotting, particularly root rot, can occur in Datisca cannabina due to excessive moisture or fungal infections, leading to decay of plant tissues and eventual plant death.

Toxicity Warning

Cats
Non-toxic

Datisca cannabina is not known to be toxic to cats. There are no documented adverse effects on feline health when ingested.

⚡ Toxic If:

if eaten

No specific safety precautions are required for cats that may come into contact with or ingest this plant.
Dogs
Non-toxic

Datisca cannabina is not known to be toxic to dogs. There are no documented adverse effects on canine health when ingested.

⚡ Toxic If:

if eaten

No specific safety precautions are required for dogs that may come into contact with or ingest this plant.
Humans
Non-toxic

Datisca cannabina is not known to exhibit toxic effects in humans. It has no reported adverse physiological impacts when ingested.

⚡ Toxic If:

if eaten

No specific safety precautions are required for human consumption or handling of this plant.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: Is Datisca cannabina toxic to pets?

A: There is insufficient data to determine toxicity to pets.

Q: How often should Datisca cannabina be watered?

A: Water moderately, allowing the soil to dry slightly between waterings.

Q: Does Datisca cannabina attract wildlife?

A: Yes, it attracts bees and butterflies due to its flowers.

Quick Reference
Family: Datiscaceae
Care: moderate
Light: full sun to partial shade
Water: every 7–10 days during growi
Suitable For: ["collectors/enthusiasts","outdoor landscapers","wildlife supporters (attracts bees, butterflies, birds)"]
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