Urtica

Urtica is a genus of flowering plants in the family Urticaceae. Many species have stinging hairs and may be called nettles or stinging nettles, although the latter name applies particularly to Urtica dioica.

Description

Urtica species grow as annuals or perennial herbaceous plants, rarely shrubs. They can reach, depending on the type, location and nutrient status, a height of 10–300 cm (3.9–118.1 in). The perennial species have underground rhizomes. The green parts have stinging hairs. Their often quadrangular stems are unbranched or branched, erect, ascending or spreading. The leaves, which can be simple or compound, are paired on the stem, and the leaf blades are usually elliptical, lanceolate, ovate or circular.

Distribution and habitat

Urtica species are spread worldwide, apart from the polar regions, especially in the tropics. They are typically found in the understory of wetlands and riparian forests, and in disturbed soils rich in nitrogen, such as pastures and roadsides.

Uses

Urtica species are used as food by the larvae of some Lepidoptera (butterfly and moth) species. Some species, like Urtica dioica, have been used as a medicinal plant and are considered a nutritious food source.

See also

• List of Urtica species
• Urticaceae
• Urtica dioica

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