Scientific Name
Urtica dioica L.
Common Name(s)
Nettle, Common Nettle, European Nettle, Giant Nettle, Stinging Nettle
Synonym(s)
Urtica dioica subsp. dioica, Urtica dioica var. dioica, Urtica galeopsifolia, Urtica tibetica
Scientific Classification
Family: Urticaceae
Genus: Urtica
Flower
Color: Green
Bloom Time: May to September
Description
Urtica dioica is a dioecious herbaceous perennial with a straight stem that grows up to 5 feet (1.5 m) tall. The heart-shaped leaves are up to 6 inches (15 cm) long. The leaves and stems are very hairy, with non-stinging hairs.
The flowers are greenish, sometimes tinged pinkish, inconspicuous, and with four tiny sepals and no petals. The can measure up to 0.08 inches (2 mm) long. Individual flowers are either male or female, but only one sex is found on any plant, so both male and female plants must be grown if seeds are required.
How to Grow and Care
Nettles prefer rich soil with good moisture content and especially favor the edges of streams or nutrient-dense pastures.
Nettle seeds are tiny, light-dependent germinators that can be started indoors or out. However, select your location carefully as Nettles are very hardy and can spread quickly under the right conditions. Nettle can be assisted with stratification, but it is not necessary.
To start, tamp the tiny seeds lightly into the soil or cover them with a thin layer of soil (0.25 inch/6 mm). If starting indoors, sow in flats in late winter and transplant in early spring. Space plants approximately 8 inches (20 cm) apart.
If direct sowing, seed in spring and thin as desired and plant rows 1 inch (2.5 cm) apart. It is recommended to find a permanent spot with rich, moist conditions a little away from (or on the periphery of) your other herbs.
See more at How to Grow and Care for Stinging Nettle.
Origin
Urtica dioica is native to Europe, Asia, northern Africa, and North America.
Links
- Back to genus Urtica
- Plantpedia: Browse flowering plants by Scientific Name, Common Name, Genus, Family, USDA Hardiness Zone, or Origin
Photo Gallery
Click on a photo to see a larger version.
