Stinging nettle – Urtica dioica - Plant & Pest Diagnostics

Stinging nettle – Urtica dioica

Urtica dioica L.

Urticaceae (Nettle family)

MI Status

Native

Life cycle

Erect, rhizomatous perennial.

Leaves

Opposite, egg- to lance-shaped with a rounded base and pointed tip. Petiolated leaves have coarsely toothed margins, smooth surfaces to a few hairs beneath and long, stinging hairs on the lower surface. Contact with stinging hairs can cause a skin irritation.

Stems

Four-angled, herbaceous stems are usually erect and unbranched, up to 6 feet tall and covered with stinging hairs. Contact with stinging hairs can cause a skin irritation.

Flowers and fruit

Inconspicuous, green to yellow flowers are formed in clusters in the upper leaf axils. The seed is enclosed in a single-seeded, tan, egg-shaped fruit.

Reproduction

Seeds and rhizomes that form extensive colonies.

Stinging nettle foliage flowers — Stinging nettle foliage & flowers

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Plant & Pest Diagnostics