Urtica urens aka Stinging Nettle
Taxonomy
Urtica urens, also known as annual nettle, dwarf nettle, small nettle, dog nettle, or burning nettle, is a herbaceous annual flowering plant species in the nettle family Urticaceae. Native to Eurasia, including the Himalayan regions of Kalimpong, Darjeeling, and Sikkim in India, it has been introduced to North America, New Zealand, and South Africa. This plant is characterized by its bushy, upright growth, reaching up to 75cm in height, and its toothed leaves. During the summer, it produces clusters of small, greenish white flowers. While its leaves are covered in tiny hairs that can cause skin irritation, young leaves can be consumed when cooked. Burning nettle is particularly prevalent along the California coast and is commonly found in disturbed sites such as fence rows, ditch banks, and roadsides. It can also be a troublesome weed in gardens, vegetable crops, sugar beet fields, citrus orchards, and deciduous orchards. Despite its similarities to common nettle, Urtica urens is reputed to cause a stronger sting.
Common names
Stinging Nettle, Burning Nettle, Dwarf NettleHow to care for Stinging Nettle
Difficulty
With its straightforward care requirements, Stinging Nettle is a hassle-free plant that anyone can enjoy.
Water
Stinging Nettle should be watered regularly, allowing the soil to dry out between waterings.
Soil
Stinging Nettle loves a well-draining soil. Perlite and vermiculite help with drainage, while coco coir adds organic matter, so a good potting soil mix will have all three. You can improve store-bought soil by adding some perlite to it.
Lighting
Stinging Nettle requires abundant, bright, and direct light to thrive. The best placement for this plant is within one foot of a window to ensure it receives enough light. If you live in an area with more extreme weather, such as hot summers or cold winters, you may need to adjust the placement of the plant accordingly. During hot summer months, it is important to place the plant away from full sun, as this can cause the leaves to yellow or burn. During cold winter months, it is best to move the plant closer to the window to take advantage of the extra light that can help it survive. By keeping an eye on the current weather in your area, you can make sure your Burning Nettle is always in the right place to thrive.
Dormancy
During the wintertime, it is common for Stinging Nettle plants to go dormant and their growth rate may slow down. Therefore, the amount of waterings should be spaced out more.
Toxicity
There is no verified data on the toxicity of this plant in the records of Ploi. If any person, including yourself, a family member, or a pet, consume plant material with an uncertain toxicity level, it is advisable to seek the advice of a healthcare expert.
Fertilizer
Repotting the Stinging Nettle should be done either when it has doubled in size or on a yearly basis, whichever occurs sooner. Fresh potting soil with all the required nutrients, refreshed annually, will provide the plant with all the necessary sustenance, making the use of fertilizer unnecessary. Keep in mind that plants receive their energy from the sun, not fertilizer.
Region of origin
Stinging Nettle’s native range is Northern temperate regions, including Britain.
More info:
Wikipedia
More Species in Urtica Genus
Urtica dioica Stinging Nettle
Urtica angustifolia Urtica Dioica Angustifolia
Urtica membranacea Stinging Nettle
Urtica perconfusa Urtica Perconfusa
Urtica urens Stinging Nettle
Urtica platyphylla Urtica Platyphylla
