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Urtica dioica (Stinging nettle)
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1 hour care
per year
per year
1.2m
Max height
Max height
1m
Max spread
Max spread
2-5 years
To maturity
To maturity
Low
Toxicity
Toxicity
Plant details
Botanical name
Urtica dioica
Other names
Stinging nettle, Nettle, Grote brandnetel, Common nettle, Greater nettle, Common stinging nettle, Bigstring nettle
Genus
Urtica Urtica
Species
U. dioica - U. dioica is an upright, herbaceous perennial with dull green, hairy, serrated leaves and hanging clusters of green-white flowers in summer. If touched by the hairs, it causes a painful stinging sensation.
Urtica dioica is: Deciduous
Habit
Clump-forming, Erect
Toxicity
If touched by the hairs, it causes a painful stinging sensation.
Flower
Flushed green, White in Summer
Foliage
Green in Spring; Green in Summer
How to care
Watch out for
Pests
Generally pest-free.
Diseases
Generally disease-free.
General care
Propagation methods
Seed
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Where to grow
Urtica dioica (Stinging nettle) will reach a height of 1.2m and a spread of 1m after 2-5 years.
Suggested uses
Add to salads, Beds and borders, Ground Cover, Wildflower, Wildlife, Woodland
Cultivation
Plant in moist, free-draining soil in either sun or dappled shade. Once dried, the hairs lose their sting.
Soil type
Chalky, Clay, Loamy, Sandy (will tolerate most soil types)
Soil drainage
Moist but well-drained, Well-drained
Soil pH
Acid, Alkaline, Neutral
Light
Partial Shade, Full Sun
Aspect
North, East, West
Exposure
Exposed, Sheltered
UK hardiness Note: We are working to update our ratings. Thanks for your patience.
Tender in frost (H3)
Companion plants
We do not currently have companion plants added for this plant.
Botanical name
Urtica dioica
Other names
Stinging nettle, Nettle, Grote brandnetel, Common nettle, Greater nettle, Common stinging nettle, Bigstring nettle
Genus
Urtica Urtica
Species
U. dioica - U. dioica is an upright, herbaceous perennial with dull green, hairy, serrated leaves and hanging clusters of green-white flowers in summer. If touched by the hairs, it causes a painful stinging sensation.
Foliage
Deciduous
Habit
Clump-forming, Erect
Toxicity
If touched by the hairs, it causes a painful stinging sensation.
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Colour
Flower
Flushed green, White in Summer
Foliage
Green in Spring; Green in Summer
How to care
Watch out for
Pests
Generally pest-free.
Diseases
Generally disease-free.
General care
Propagation methods
Seed
Monthly care advice
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Where to grow
Urtica dioica (Stinging nettle) will reach a height of 1.2m and a spread of 1m after 2-5 years.
Suggested uses
Add to salads, Beds and borders, Ground Cover, Wildflower, Wildlife, Woodland
Cultivation
Plant in moist, free-draining soil in either sun or dappled shade. Once dried, the hairs lose their sting.
Soil type
Chalky, Clay, Loamy, Sandy (will tolerate most soil types)
Soil drainage
Moist but well-drained, Well-drained
Soil pH
Acid, Alkaline, Neutral
Light
Partial Shade, Full Sun
Aspect
North, East, West
Exposure
Exposed, Sheltered
UK hardiness Note: We are working to update our ratings. Thanks for your patience.
Tender in frost (H3)
USDA zones
Zone 8, Zone 7, Zone 6, Zone 5, Zone 4
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| This plant likes... | Garden match | |
| Soil types: | Chalky, Clay, Loamy, Sandy (will tolerate most soil types) | Tell us... |
| Soil drainage: | Moist but well-drained, Well-drained | Tell us... |
| Soil pH: | Acid, Alkaline, Neutral | Tell us... |
| Light: | Partial Shade, Full Sun | Tell us... |
| Aspect: | North, East, West | Tell us... |
| Exposure: | Exposed, Sheltered | Tell us... |
| Hardiness: | Tender in frost (H3) | Tell us... |
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Harvesting Stinging Nettles
Urtica dioica
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