Urtica urens
annual stinging nettle
A bushy, upright annual to 75cm, with distinctly toothed leaves and clusters of small, greenish white flowers in summer. Leaves are covered in tiny hairs that can irritate the skin, though young leaves are edible when cooked.
Size
Ultimate height
0.5–1 metresTime to ultimate height
1 yearUltimate spread
0.1–0.5 metresGrowing conditions
Moisture
Moist but well–drained, Well–drainedpH
Acid, Alkaline, NeutralColour & scent
| Stem | Flower | Foliage | Fruit | |
| Spring | Green | |||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Summer | Yellow | Green | ||
| Autumn | Green | |||
| Winter |
Position
- Full sun
- Partial shade
Aspect
East–facing or South–facing or West–facing
Exposure
Exposed or Sheltered Hardiness
H2Botanical details
- Family
- Urticaceae
- Native to the UK
- No
- Foliage
- Deciduous
- Habit
- Clump forming
- Potentially harmful
- Skin irritant. Wear gloves and other protective equipment when handling
- Name status
Correct
How to grow
Cultivation
Grows best in full sun, in nitrogen-rich soil. Self-seeds freely and can be difficult to control or eradicate but an important source of food for caterpillars and butterflies. See controlling nettles for further advice
Propagation
Propagate by seed
Suggested planting locations and garden types
- Wildlife gardens
Pruning
Cut back after flowering to avoid self-seeding
Pests
Generally pest-free
Diseases
May be susceptible to some fungal and virus diseases
Get involved
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