Urtica dioica aka Stinging Nettle

Urtica dioica, also known as common nettle, burn nettle, stinging nettle, or just a nettle, is a herbaceous perennial plant that is found worldwide, including New Zealand and North America. It 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 upon contact. Despite this, stinging nettle greens have been used for centuries in traditional medicine to treat joint pain, eczema, arthritis, gout, and anemia. The plant is also used as a source of food, tea, and textile raw material in ancient and modern societies. The health benefits of stinging nettles are numerous, as they are loaded with antioxidants, lutein, lycopene, and iron. A bracing cup of nettle tea is still a panacea for a wealth of health issues. The plant is fast-growing and can reach up to 4 feet tall. It developed the stinging hairs to discourage animals from feeding on them. Hoary Stinging Nettle, a relatively rare houseplant, belongs to the Urtica genus and is native to Europe, Asia, Africa, and Western North America. It is a fun challenge to grow and needs regular watering to thrive. The plant does best in long-lasting, direct light and should be less than 1 foot from a window. It likes soil that is well-draining and does not require added fertilizers if repotted each time it doubles in size.