Laportea canadensis aka Wood Nettle

Laportea canadensis, or wood nettle, belongs to the nettle family. Its native range spans central and eastern Canada to Mexico. This upright herb grows back each year. It lives in rich woods and damp river bottoms. It also grows near streams and seeps in deciduous forests. Plants reach 2–4 feet [0.6–1.22 metres] tall. Their usual width is 1–3 feet [0.3–0.91 metres]. Spreading rhizomes let them form broad, dense patches over time.

The green stems bear white stinging hairs. Leaves grow one at a time along the stems. Each leaf is simple, with an egg-shaped or lance-shaped blade. Coarse teeth line the edges of the green leaves. Blades can reach 0.5 feet [0.15 metres] long. Young leaves carry stinging hairs across their surfaces. Older leaves tend to keep more hairs beneath the blade. Both stinging and non-stinging hairs occur above ground.

Small white to green flowers rise above the leaves. Bloom can extend from spring into early fall. The flower details list summer as the main season. Male and female flowers are separate, but plants are self-fertile. Male flowers have five petals and form shorter clusters. Female flowers have four green sepals in loose upper clusters. The dry seed is black and shiny.

Wood nettle grows best in rich soil that stays moist. It suits partial shade, dappled light, and deep shade. It also tolerates soil that becomes wet at times. Growers can start it from seed or divide rhizomes in spring. Plants For A Future records outdoor growth at several British gardens. That source does not give a firm hardiness limit. Its spreading habit suits woodland edges, slopes, and stream banks. Dense growth gives wildlife cover but suits formal beds less well. Eastern comma and red admiral caterpillars use it as food. Insects may cause harmless galls on leaves or flowers.

Touching the hairs can cause burning, itching, and painful skin irritation. Symptoms usually fade within an hour, but gloves help prevent contact. Harvest only young spring shoots and leaves for food. Cook them before eating to destroy the sting. They can then serve as greens or go into soup. Indigenous people used the plant's fibres to weave cloth. Stem fibre also has uses in nets and cord. Plants For A Future records traditional uses for fever and childbirth. It also notes use of the root as a diuretic. These are records of use, not proof of benefit.