Urtica cannabina aka Hemp Nettle

Urtica cannabina belongs to the nettle family, Urticaceae. It is a perennial, which means it lives for years. Common names include hemp-leaved nettle and Kentucky hemp. It is native to Central Asia, Siberia and China. Despite its common name, it is not native to Britain or Ireland. It grows in temperate regions, in many kinds of sites. These include grasslands and thickets, slopes, roadsides and river banks. It also grows on dunes and near villages.

The plant grows at a moderate pace to about 5 feet (1.5 metres). Kew lists it as a perennial or a rhizomatous geophyte. The latter term means it has underground stems. Hairs on its leaves sting skin when touched. The stems yield strong fibre with uses much like flax. Workers can use it to make string, cloth and paper. They cut the stems as growth dies back in early autumn. They then ret the stems before taking out the fibres.

Flowers appear from July to August. Wind carries the pollen, and seeds ripen from August to October. Plants For A Future gives two accounts of the flower sexes. These accounts do not agree with each other. One says each plant bears both male and female flowers. The other says male and female plants are usually separate. The same source says the plant is not self-fertile. Thus, the supplied evidence leaves its exact flower arrangement unclear.

It grows in sun or part shade and prefers moist soil. It accepts sand, loam and clay soils. The stated soil pH ranges from mildly acid to mildly alkaline. Plants For A Future says it is not frost tender. Yet the source also says its hardiness in Britain is uncertain. It suggests garden beds under cultivation and the edges of woods. Sow seed in spring, with just a thin soil cover. You can also divide plants during the growing season.

Cook young leaves as greens for soups and stews. Young shoots also have a recorded use in nettle beer. Wear stout gloves when you gather leaves to avoid stings. Cooking or drying them fully removes the risk from stinging hairs. Use only young leaves for food. Older leaves form cystoliths, which may harm the kidneys through irritation. Plants For A Future lists no known uses as medicine. Its account supports food and fibre uses, not claims of medicinal use.