Nettle – Botanical Profile

Stinging Nettle

Urtica dioica L., Urticaceae Family

Distribution and Habitat

Stinging Nettle is native to Europe, Asia, North Africa, and North America. Grows in nitrogen-rich soils, roadsides, forests, and disturbed areas.

Botanical and Morphological Description

It is a perennial herb known for its stinging trichomes.

• Root: Creeping rhizomes.
• Stem: Erect, quadrangular, covered with stinging trichomes.
• Leaves: Opposite, cordate-lanceolate, sharply serrated margins, covered with urticating trichomes.
• Flower: Small, greenish, unisexual, arranged in axillary panicles. The plant is dioecious (male and female flowers are on separate plants).
• Fruit: Small achene.
• Seed: Tiny, oval, brown.

Key Identification Features: Stinging trichomes causing skin irritation., opposite serrated leaves.