Scientific Name
Urtica ferox G.Forst.
Common Name(s)
Tree Nettle, Ongaonga
Scientific Classification
Family: Urticaceae
Genus: Urtica
Origin
Urtica ferox is endemic to New Zealand.
Flower
Color: Green
Bloom Time: Late spring to early fall
Description
Urtica ferox is a small soft-wooded tree or shrub with a trunk that grows up to 5 inches (12.5 cm) in diameter. It has many branches and grows up to 9.8 feet (3 m) tall. Leaves are up to 5 inches (12.5 cm) long and up to 2 inches (5 cm) wide. The leaves, branches, and branchlets all have stout, stinging hairs which are silicified.
The flowers arise from the leaf axils on up to 3.2 inches (8 cm) long spikes. There are male and female flowers. Like other parts of the tree, the flower spikes bear stinging hairs. Blooming is from late spring to early fall.
Hardiness
USDA hardiness zone 8a to 11b: from 10 °F (−12.2 °C) to 50 °F (+10 °C).
How to Grow and Care
Nettles prefer fertile 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 with the right conditions. Nettle can be assisted with stratification, but it is not necessary.
To start, tamp the small 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 recommended finding 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.
Links
- Back to genus Urtica
- Plantpedia: Browse flowering plants by Scientific Name, Common Name, Genus, Family, USDA Hardiness Zone, or Origin
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