Urtica dioica
Table of Contents
Common Names: Stinging Nettle, Common Nettle
Scientific Classification
| Kingdom: Plantae |
| Phylum: Tracheophyta |
| Class: Magnoliopsida |
| Order: Rosales |
| Family: Urticaceae |
| Genus: Urtica |
| Species: Urtica dioica |
Conservation Status
Identifying Features
Stinging nettle has toothed, hear-shapped leaves. The stem is hallow, four-sided, and covered in stinging hairs.
Habitat & Range
Stinging nettle is found along trail-sides, in forests, and wet areas. They are native to Eurasia, but found throughout much of North America.
Behavior
CAUTION: The stinging hairs of this plant cause a burning feeling when touched.
Life Cycle
The flowers of this plant are tiny, and hang in clusters at the leaf axils. They are in bloom from June through September.
Stinging nettle is perennial.
Featured image by James Dake.
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