wildflower
Stinging nettle
Urtica dioica
IrritantEdible cookedcommon
Opposite toothed leaves, stinging hairs. Excellent cooked green and fiber plant.
Upright square-ish stems with opposite, deeply toothed leaves and tiny green flower strings. Hollow hairs inject formic acid and histamine.
- Habitat
- Nitrogen-rich edges, creek terraces, old barn lots.
- Season
- April–September; best as food before flowering.
- Size
- 2–6 ft
- Field marks
- Opposite leaves; sting; hanging green flowers
First aid
Jewelweed, mud, or tape to pull hairs. Cooking or drying destroys the sting.
Use
Cooked like spinach; dried for tea; stems for strong cordage.