The stinging nettle is a plant found practically all over the world. People with limited or no plant awareness can hate this plant since a careless stomp or thoughtless pull can result in a deep stinging sensation. Horse nettle. To create this article, 20 people, some anonymous, worked to edit and improve it over time. It may be taken as tea or in freeze-dried capsules. Henbit. Leaves are pointed at the tips, with a heart-shaped base and indented veins. The shoots of the stinging nettle plant are rich in vitamin C and carotene. interfere with any medication being taken, if consumed in large or Place in your favourite tea pot and add almost boiled water. Pistillate flower has four tepals in different-sized pairs, are greyish green and hairy. ... From amherstburg, ontario. All of the stinging nettle species have hairs on the stem and leaves that cause discomfort and inflammation to humans. This page only shows Stinging Nettle (Urtica dioica) and Wood Nettle (Laportea canadensis).For contrast, two similar plants are shown at the bottom that are often confused with these species: Horse Balm (Collinsonia canadensis) and False Nettle (Boehmeria cylindrica). Stinging nettle (Urtica genus) is a European native plant that has become naturalized throughout the United States. Stinging nettle supplements are made from the aerial aerial plant parts appearing above ground (above ground) parts of the plant. Stinging Nettle is a perennial plant the reproduces by seeds and rhizomes. Flowers: Stinging nettle is a dioecious (staminate and pistillate flowers on different plants) plant with very small flowers. % of people told us that this article helped them. thyroid, hay fever and asthma issues. Or, you can rub the leaves of jewelweed on the affected area. specific conditions that Nettles have been used for include skin, goiter, crushed and applied to neutralize or minimize the sting. If you do not have these materials on-hand, for immediate relief, human saliva can be applied to the affected area. – waste places, moist ditches, open woodlands, riparian areas. While often the bane of many outdoor enthusiasts, they are a goldmine to Flowers of clearweed are in narrow racemes that are shorter than stinging nettle, at only about 1 inch (2.5 cm) long. There are 24 references cited in this article, which can be found at the bottom of the page. Flowers are in clusters with separate flowers attached by short stalks along … plant growth and is also said to ward off aphids. The shoots of the stinging nettle plant are rich in vitamin C and carotene. Opposite The flowers grow along stems that shoot out fr… ga('require', 'linker'); Caution: We encourage readers to do their own research and decide if The leaves and stems of the plant are covered with brittle, hollow, hair-like structures. Stinging nettle supplements are made from the aerialaerialplant parts appearing above ground (above ground) parts of the plant. Some of the many – Perennial. 5) I think you should make a sheet that explains all sorts of interesting … You can save the water and drink it, as with other steamed The introduced species from Europe, Urtica dioica subsp. Leaves are about 2-5 inches long with jagged edges, found in opposing pairs along the upper half of the stalk. in a basket or large paper bag. health care professional to see if any of this plants’ compounds could Climbing nightshade. This article has been viewed 117,406 times. Hemp nettle grows shorter than stinging nettle and also has bristly hairs on the stems and leaves. French Names toothed wikiHow is a “wiki,” similar to Wikipedia, which means that many of our articles are co-written by multiple authors. The flowers have four stamens and yellow anthers. Marsh hedge-nettle. The leaves have distinctly serrated edges, with each leaf margin looking like a row of pointed teeth. It is now found throughout the United States and some parts of Canada. Nettles do have some plus points, for a start they are essential for some butterfly species whose caterpillars feed on the nettle whilst protected from predators to a degree by the stings. In New Zealand too, the New Zealand Red Admiral Vanessa gonerilla chooses one of the fiercest of nettles, the Tree Nettle Urtica ferox for its caterpillars. should go after a few minutes or hours, depending on exposure and a There is a good side to Stinging Nettles wherever they are found! Cautions - Stinging nettle rash happens with direct contact with stinging nettles.They are rich herbal properties. leaves air outside in the shade (in your basket, bag or, even better, a those that know the true value of this plant. 4) I think it could be used (by a restaurant) as a publicity tool - have the restaurant offer a reporter a free sample to try it. Stinging nettle grows in disturbed areas, wooded areas, and occasionally open grasslands, provided the soil is moist for seed establishment. Male flowers are borne from the axils of the leaves, whereas female flowers are at the top of the plant. chlorophyll, minerals like calcium, iron, silica and potassium and are very Stems and leaves are covered with short, stinging hairs which can cause irritation and inflammation if touched with bare skin. The plant has been shown to cleanse the body of metabolic waste and increase production of red blood cells. If touched, these needle-like hairs inject the stinging acid into the skin, triggering a burning, tingling sensation and an itchy rash. Include your email address to get a message when this question is answered. Occasionally the stems may be smooth. All Rights Reserved. a biodynamic spray that was developed by Rudolph Steiner which stimulates Nettles and simmer for another 5 minutes. Nettle leaf helps with the inflammation of arthritis, gout, … It is native to North America, and will reproduce and regrow from its rhizome roots. Pets may have an allergic reaction to this plant if they come in contact with it, so due diligence is needed to keep them away and keep them safe. ga('linker:autoLink', ['secure2.convio.net', 'donate.cwf-fcf.org'] ); Yes, nettles are found all over North America. Reserve the cooking water. Nettles have been used as nourishment and medicine and its stems were used sting. There are six subspecies of stinging nettle, five of which have stinging properties. Wood nettle will have branching flower clusters at the top of the plant, unlike stinging nettle. Male flowers are typically greenish-yellow, with 4 sepals and 4 stamens. If you get stung,Rumex crispus and other docks, Spotted Jewelweed ( Impatiens capensis) and Plantain (Plantago major) can be Motherwort. Stinging Nettle Benefits – Butterflies & Edible. Stinging nettle is a perennial plant originally from Europe. The plant will have small “hairs” up … Flowers are small greeny-white clusters that hang from the dioica, is reported in the Even some subspecies of stinging nettle don't sting! While some plants are Nettles can grow to one to two metres. Stinging nettle Spread throughout Canada, stinging nettle typically grows in damp areas like marshes, meadows, pastures and ditches. Add 4 cups of broth. minutes, or until the casserole solidifies. Some stinging nettle subspecies may have green stems, whereas other subspecies may have purple stems. ga('create', 'UA-3780889-1', 'auto', {'allowLinker': true}); of The EcoHerbalist’s Fieldbook, “older leaves develop cystoliths, person’s sensitivity. Expect stinging nettle to grow in most areas that are fairly moist. // ]]>. The introduced species from Europe, Urtica dioica subsp. This species is an annual that grows from seed spread from pre-existing hemp nettles, or deposited by animals, and human activity. But Canada wood-nettle has alternate leaves while stinging nettle's leaves are opposite. Even today, nettles are steamed and dried for stews and tea. It may be of interest to note that not all species of stinging nettle have literal stinging properties. Stinging Nettle – Note the seeds it’s about to shed. Eastern black nightshade. })(window,document,'script','//www.google-analytics.com/analytics.js','ga'); It has been used for centuries as a spring tonic to clear out toxins and as Clammy ground cherry. It has a single carpel and the stigma is brush-like. Read the Stinging Nettles in Toronto discussion from the Chowhound Restaurants, Ontario food community. high in protein. (Editor's Note: This article was originally published on November 16, 2007. The stems are sharply angled (typically 4-angled), often with bristly-pubescent stinging hairs. tomato puree. –The whole plant is strengthening and supporting to so many bodily systems. Stinging nettle rash presents as raised bumps or hives that are often light in color and up to a centimeter in diameter. Female flowers are more green, with 4 pubescent (hairy) sepals and 1 pistil. gritty particles that can be irritating to the kidneys.” With gloves on completely safe for most people, some have unique sensitivities and Hairy nightshade. The skin surrounding the hives may be red. Add celery Both stems and leaves are covered in thin hairs that sting. Where most weeds are annuals, stinging nettle is a colonizing perennial, with a single colony capable of thriving in one area for several decades. Otherwise, you can order them online (search for "nettle leaf"). and sea salt. References. and stir one minute. Usually this inflorescence consists of a main, dense spike, and two smaller, lateral spikes. procera (Muhl).,URTDI Other Names: tall nettle, slender nettle Family: Nettle Family (Urticae) General Description: An erect perennial, reproducing by rhizomes and seeds. Flower clusters are droopy like stinging nettle, but they are born on cymes (branching flower clusters) at the top of the plant. This plant has been known to be a leading cause of bacterial skin infections which can rapidly spread on the pet's skin in wet, humid and hot situations, which could lead to death if not treated immediately. By using our site, you agree to our. The flowers are greenish; they are very small but numerous. (i[r].q=i[r].q||[]).push(arguments)},i[r].l=1*new Date();a=s.createElement(o), For thousands of years, should proceed with caution, being mindful of any reactions that occur. Description: Although they can reach greater heights, stinging nettles usually grow to about three to four feet tall. Steve “Wildman” Brill - Identifying and Harvesting Edible and Medicinal Plants. Native to Europe and Asia, stinging nettle found its way to North America and now grows coast to coast. The tiny hairs on the leaves and stems of this plant can cause significant irritation and burning to any part of the body that comes in contact with this plant. Are nettles common in the New England area? However, this plant is often also seen as a noxious weed that dominates disturbed areas in or near forests, or in clearings with moist, fertile soil. It is now found throughout the United States and some parts of Canada. Stinging nettle, in most areas, is a native perennial, and a sign of what is called in ecology as "succession" where forb plants are growing in Nature's attempt to cover exposed soil. Stinging nettle supplements are made from the aerial aerial plant parts appearing above ground (above ground) parts of the plant. Staminate flower is greyish yellow: four tepals (like sepals). roots are best when collected in spring/autumn. It's considered an aggressive invasive and has become established and common in certain areas. There are other types of stinging nettle in the U.S. and around the world. Click here for more tips on drying and cooking with edible plants. This article has been viewed 117,406 times. Stinging nettle is native to western North America, Europe, Asia, northern Africa, and introduced elsewhere. It is even used in the garden, in Also check with your ga('require', 'displayfeatures'); Flowers are in clusters with separate flowers attached by short stalks along a central stem about 1-7 centimetres long. Some stinging nettle subspecies may have green stems, whereas other subspecies may have purple stems. Stinging nettle is a perennial plant originally from Europe. The medicinal properties of nettles were first harnessed in medieval Europe. Water that is Put in an oiled baking dish and bake at 275F for 15 to 20 same time you add the Nettles. ingredients. People who have eczema can also benefit from including nettle in their herbal repertoire. The plant itself tends to be a little darker green than stinging nettle. not fully boiling will not destroy the heat sensitive nutrients. 3) How about taking a nettle dish to the restaurants and giving them a taste. Stinging Nettle is from half a metre in height to three metres tall. Family: Nettle F… Photos and Pictures | Back to Ontario Weed Gallery Listing | Apply the paste to the affected areas. Nettle Family (Urticaceae) Stinging nettle. Jimsonweed. Urtica dioica. Last Updated: May 10, 2020 Jewelweed is a small plant that usually grows around the nettles plant. 2 cups thinly sliced wild or commercial carrots, 2/3 cup soy milk, milk or the reserved nettle-carrot broth (or any Stinging nettle. The irritation However, some plants have smooth stems so you should also check for leaves that are long, with coarsely serrated edges and a pointed end. The leaves and young stems of this herbaceous plant are fitted with stinging hairs tipped with formic acid and other irritants. Where found/How to grow We know ads can be annoying, but they’re what allow us to make all of wikiHow available for free. Did You Know? combination of these liquids), 4 cups veggie broth (mix your favourite cube or powder in water), Tomato puree (plain peeled canned or fresh tomatoes - not paste or sauce). Add your favourite spices, such as cumin or turmeric at the leaves reach a few inches long and can be It also contains vitamin B complex and vitamin K. a restorative food when recovering from colds and flus. Flowers of spearmint are a light pinkish-purple. Stinging Nettle. veggies. Maritimes, Ontario, Quebec and British Columbia. Please help us continue to provide you with our trusted how-to guides and videos for free by whitelisting wikiHow on your ad blocker. Simmer 10 minutes and add 1 cup Mince This guide will help you identify what nettles look like so that you can avoid them the next time you may come across them. Status Ecology of stinging nettle Stinging nettle (Urtica dioica) is a slow-growing perennial plant native to North America (Figure 1). the vegetables in the blender or by hand, and mix in the remaining Perhaps one of the most intriguing examples of strange garden bedfellows is the relationship between the weed stinging nettle and several vegetable varieties. at the incorrect time (mushrooms, for example). young shoots and young plants are edible when steamed/cooked. The incredibly rich flavor of nettle leaves is complemented by the dioica, is reported in the Maritimes, Ontario, Quebec and British Columbia. You can either make a thick baking soda paste by mixing baking soda with water. Figwort or Snapdragon Family (Scrophulariaceae) Common mullein. {"smallUrl":"https:\/\/www.wikihow.com\/images\/thumb\/8\/83\/Brennnessel_1.jpeg\/460px-Brennnessel_1.jpeg","bigUrl":"\/images\/thumb\/8\/83\/Brennnessel_1.jpeg\/687px-Brennnessel_1.jpeg","smallWidth":460,"smallHeight":374,"bigWidth":"688","bigHeight":"560","licensing":"