This is a plant that you remember if you ever come in contact with it. It's stinging nettle (
Urtica dioica), the only member of the Urtica Family (Urticaceae) in the area. Most people feel a stinging after brushing against the plant. The plant is more potent in the summer and fall than in the spring (based on my experience). It grows in moist areas generally below 8,500 feet.
Leaves are opposite and serrated, and the flowers are green. I often hold a stem still to take a photo and had to keep reminding myself not to do that for this plant! To learn more about stinging nettle, including medicinal and culinary uses, click
here.
This is a plant that you remember if you ever come in contact with it. It's stinging nettle (Urtica dioica), the only member of the Urtica Family (Urticaceae) in the area. Most people feel a stinging after brushing against the plant. The plant is more potent in the summer and fall than in the spring (based on my experience). It grows in moist areas generally below 8,500 feet.
Leaves are opposite and serrated, and the flowers are green. I often hold a stem still to take a photo and had to keep reminding myself not to do that for this plant! To learn more about stinging nettle, including medicinal and culinary uses, click here.
2 comments:
The stinging nettle is also the host plant for several butterflies. Red Admiral and Milbert's tortiseshell both lay their eggs on this plant- so it is a good one for the butterfly garden!
Enjoying your all your posts-
Cheryl
Cheryl, that's very cool! I keep trying to associate insects with the plants they use and appreciate your tip.
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