Stinging nettle
September 9, 2015
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EmailUrtica dioica L.
Life cycle
Erect, rhizomatous perennial.
Stinging nettle seedling.
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.
Stinging nettle leaf.
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.
Stinging nettle stem (left). Close-up of stinging hairs on stem of stinging nettle (right).
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.
Stinging nettle foliage and flower clusters.
Reproduction
Seeds and rhizomes that form extensive colonies.
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