Search results
Nov 4, 2024 · stinging nettle, (Urtica dioica), weedy perennial plant of the nettle family (Urticaceae), known for its stinging leaves. Stinging nettle is distributed nearly worldwide but is especially common in Europe, North America, North Africa, and parts of Asia.
- Melissa Petruzzello
Celtis australis, the European nettle tree, Mediterranean hackberry, lote tree, or honeyberry, [3] is a deciduous tree native to Southern Europe, North Africa, and Asia Minor. The tree was introduced to England in 1796.
- Overview
- Identifying Stinging Nettle
- Distinguish from Similar Species
Hundreds of species of plants that are commonly called "nettles" exist in the world, many which are named because of the similarity to a common weed known as Stinging Nettle or Common Nettle (
) by leaf shape, growth habit, or stinging ability thanks to the tiny needle-like hairs that exude a skin-irritant when touched.
Most people remember stinging nettles from the "bite" these plants cause when touched. This guide will help you identify what nettles look like so that you can avoid them the next time you may come across them.
An image and information search of "Stinging Nettle" or
will give you a foundational understanding of stinging nettles and allow you to compare this plant to others you observe.
Study the entire plant to identify stinging nettles: the stems, roots, leaves, flower clusters, etc.
Do an image and information search on the Internet for "Stinging Nettle" or
The latter name will give you the best results of what stinging (or common) nettle looks like in order to better help you identify the species out in the field. Also, some extra information to know may be useful:
is known by several other common names, including "Common Nettle", "Bigsting Nettle", "Tall Nettle", and "Slender Nettle." There are actually 35 to 40 different species in the
All true nettles are a part of the Nettle Family
There are many other species of plants with the common name "nettle" attached to it, but may not be part of the aforementioned taxonomical family. One such exemplary species is Hemp Nettle,
, which actually belongs to the Mint Family,
Take note of the several species that can be confused with Stinging Nettle.
There are several different species found in many areas that can be easily mistaken for Stinging Nettle. Several of these are in the Urticaceae family, others are not. These similar species or look-a-likes include:
Distinguish from False Nettle (
False nettle has finer toothed margins of the leaves, and the leaves themselves tend to be a little more bigger at the base. The stems of each flower cluster are erect and angle upward from the stem, unlike stinging nettle (which are droopy).
Urtica dioica, often known as common nettle, burn nettle, stinging nettle (although not all plants of this species sting) or nettle leaf, or just a nettle or stinger, is a herbaceous perennial flowering plant in the family Urticaceae.
The Common or Stinging Nettle is a highly successful plant found all over the temperate areas of the world. It spreads by means of seeds and underground rhizomes that creep around just under the surface of the soil.
Learn about the medicinal and nutritional properties of nettles. Most people only know nettles as weeds that sting. Yet the nettle can do so much more. It has various healing properties and can be a healthy source of food. The reason for the nettle's bad reputation is revealed in magnification.
- 5 min
People also ask
What is a stinging nettle?
What is a European nettle tree?
What is the difference between wood nettle and stinging nettles?
How big does a stinging nettle grow?
Where do nettle trees grow?
How many stinging nettles are there?
The eastern North American tree called hackberry, or nettle tree, is C. occidentalis. It has bright green elmlike leaves, which often have three prominent veins arising from the base of the blade, and edible pea-sized purplish-black fruits attractive to birds.
