Urtica dioica

Urtica dioica, commonly known as stinging nettle, is a species of flowering plant in the family Urticaceae. It is native to Europe, Asia, northern Africa, and North America, and introduced elsewhere. The species is divided into six subspecies, five of which have many hollow stinging hairs called trichomes on the leaves and stems, which act like hypodermic needles, injecting histamine and other chemicals that produce a stinging sensation when contacted by humans and other animals.

Description

Urtica dioica is a herbaceous perennial, growing to 1 to 2 m (3 to 7 ft) tall in the summer and dying back to the ground in winter. It has widely spreading rhizomes and stolons, which are bright yellow, as are the roots. The soft, green leaves are 3 to 15 cm (1 to 6 in) long and are borne oppositely on an erect, wiry, green stem. The leaves have a strongly serrated margin, a cordate base, and an acuminate tip with a terminal leaf tooth longer than adjacent laterals. It bears small, greenish or brownish, numerous flowers in dense axillary inflorescences.

Uses

The plant has a long history of use as a source for traditional medicine, food, tea, and textile raw material in ancient societies. The leaves are edible and can be used as leaf vegetable, much like spinach, once the fibres have been removed. The root and leaves are used for ailments such as arthritis, hay fever and kidney problems.

Cultivation

Urtica dioica grows best in rich soil with good moisture content and prefers partial shade. It can spread rapidly under suitable conditions due to its rhizomatous growth and abundant seed production.

See also

• List of beneficial weeds
• List of companion plants
• List of traditional medicine plants

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