STINGING NETTLE
Urtica dioica ssp. gracilis
NETTLE FAMILY (Urticaceae)
Identification
- Flowering time - July to September
- Common in moist floodplain woods and ravines at FF & NW
- Opposite leaves
- Branching flower clusters in leaf axils
- See comments for comparison with other nettle species
This native perennial grows to be an erect plant to 6 feet or more. The square stem and leaves are covered with stinging hairs. Lance-shaped, sharply toothed leaves are on long stalks and opposite on the stems (A,B). The tiny green flowers are on branching, closely packed (A) or looser elongated clusters (C,D) arising from the upper leaf axils. Male and female flowers are separate, sometimes they occuring on separate plants but most often in individual clusters on the same plant. Identified by the stinging hairs and drooping and spreading flower clusters. The similar False Nettle (Boehmeria cylindrica) has flower clusters on erect spikes and lacks the stinging hairs.
Found in ravines and other moist areas, flowering from July through September. Common in Fontenelle Forest and Neale Woods in moist openings in the floodplain, ravines and hollows.
Local Native Americans used the fiber from this plant to make twine and cordage. Rope from this fiber was used to hobble horses. The tip of each tiny hair is broken off when touched, allowing a histamine-like stinging agent to ooze out. This is our most irritating nettle.
The content of NatureSearch is provided by dedicated volunteer Naturalists of Fontenelle Forest who strive to provide the most accurate information available. Contributors of the images retain their copyrights. The point of contact for this page is: Roland Barth.