These chemicals include acetylcholine, histamine, serotonin, leukotrienes, and moroidin. Plants do not flower in their first year. Nettles make an excellent spinach substitute and can also be added to soups and stews. For comprehensive information (e.g. The can also be cooked like spinach and are best in the spring while they are still tender. Identification, health, Recognizing the plant and teaching children how to distinguish it can help avoid stinging nettle rash. Stinging nettle is a perennial that spreads by rhizome and seed. MENU. Method 1 of 2: Identifying Stinging Nettle. Learn tips for creating your most beautiful (and bountiful) garden ever. I even snacked on them for couple years but luckily didn’t ingest too much. Share on Facebook; Share on Twitter; Share on Pinterest ; Share on Whatsapp; Share on Blogger; Email to a friend; Nettles have a bad reputation among gardeners. Hogweed. However, some people and animals can have more serious allergic reactions, such as tightness in their chest or throat, that require prompt medical treatment. This plant has fine toothed, tapered, somewhat heart-shaped leaves that are 3-15 cm. 1. Once they flower, the plants tend to … This is because nettle is so nutritious, and beneficial to plant and human health. All information, photographs and web content contained in this website is Copyright © EdibleWildFood.com 2020. Young leaves are preferable however, no matter how far into the growing season be sure to remember that until dried or cooked, stinging nettle leaves will have those stinging hairs – never eat them raw! What is the best time to forage for nettles? Most people remember stinging nettles from the "bite" these plants cause when touched. In Seán O'Casey's Juno and the Paycock, one of the characters quotes Aesop "Gently touch a nettle and it'll stin… Introducing "One Thing": A New Video Series, The Spruce Gardening & Plant Care Review Board, The Spruce Renovations and Repair Review Board. Stinging nettle is a popular home remedy for arthritis, seasonal allergies, and many other conditions. Shop; Blog ; Become a member. Pick only the tenderest, youngest leaves. Stinging nettles are an herbaceous, fast growing plant with leaves as well as stems, which are covered with tiny, hollow silica tipped hairs and can grow to about 4 feet (1 m.) tall. However, you must be careful when working with stinging nettle because it has a toxic component. This guide will help you identify what nettles look like so that you can avoid them the next time you may come across them. Soak the stinging nettles in plenty of cold water. If you do wish to grow stinging nettle in your garden, plant it in the spring after your last frost. It’s commonly seen in North America, especially the Pacific Northwest due to its love of moisture in the soil. The best way to prevent a stinging nettle rash is to avoid stinging nettles touching the skin. If you're working with a stinging nettle plant in your garden, always wear protective clothing. The toothed leaves are borne oppositely along the stem, and both the stems and leaves are covered with numerous stinging and non-stinging trichomes (plant hairs). Originally from Europe and Asia, this plant has sharp hairs that break easily and can irritate or sting when the plant is touched; however it is a vitamin-rich food source as well as a remedy for various medical conditions. If you have a plant you need to get rid of, first moisten the soil around it to make it easier to slide out the roots. Stinging nettle (Urtica dioica) has been a staple in herbal medicine since ancient times, such as to treat arthritis and back pain. Touching any of these needles will inject you with the formic acid which causes an extremely painful burning sensation. There are six common subspecies of stinging nettle, but only five have the stinging barbs. Peat pots work great for nettles. Stinging nettle has been used for hundreds of years to treat painful muscles and joints, eczema, arthritis, gout, and anemia. … This signifies a change in this nutritious plant, a change that is of benefit to butterflies and moths, though not to humans. Has medicinal and culinary uses. It is up to the reader to verify nutritional information and health benefits with qualified professionals for all edible plants listed in this web site. please check out our Stinging Nettle PDF magazine. But if you accidentally run through a patch of these plants with bare legs, it will feel a bit like a swarm of tiny yellow jackets just attacked your appendages. They are now blooming, but as we shall see they are probably also doomed. Its preference for damp, fertile and disturbed ground makes it a good coloniser of places enriched by human activities, such as agriculture and development. Stinging Nettle Identification and Harvest. Skip to main content. It has a single carpel and the stigma is brush-like. Dig around the plant’s base to loosen the roots, and then grasp the plant at its base to slide it out of the ground with the roots as intact as possible. Young nettles emerging. No care is needed to keep the plant alive during the winter months. When do I gather/harvest Stinging Nettle? Harvest before the plant flowers. Growth cycle – Stinging nettle emerges as soon as the ground thaws in late winter or early spring. But it has since made its way around the world. These hairs act like miniature hypodermic needles, injecting you with histamine, folic acid, and other substances that cause localized redness and pain. Here are some ideas for making use of the free food and fertiliser that this under-appreciated weed has to offer. Urtica means "burn" and the stinging or burning sensation is caused by acids and proteins in the nettle plant's hairs. Nettle beer is brewed from the young shoots. Like most edible plants, the best way to eat nettle is to consume it shortly after being harvested. Shakespeare's Hotspur urges that "out of this nettle, danger, we pluck this flower, safety" (Henry IV, part 1, Act II Scene 3). Urtica dioica. This will smother any new plants that try to grow. The plant can spread vegetatively with its yellow creeping rhizomes and often forms dense colonies. Pistillate flower has four tepals in different-sized pairs, are greyish green and hairy. I even snacked on them for couple years but luckily didn’t ingest too much. They developed the stinging hairs to discourage animal from feeding on them. Thin catkins of tiny green flowers grow from the leaf axils. nettles in bloom. The leaves can be used for teas, pesto, soup and as a vegetable. The swollen base of each tiny, hollow hair contains a droplet of formic acid. Among others, they are high in Magnesium, Calcium, Iron and Vitamin A. Inflorescence is catkin-like, 4–8 cm (1.6–3.2") long. Stinging nettle is native to temperate parts of Europe, Asia, and western North Africa. You may harvest nettles from the time the new leaves emerge from the ground until late fall after the flowers have gone to seed but before the rains begin to rot the stems (while they still maintain their green color and have leaves attached). Stinging Nettle identification of this bountiful wild edible is quick and easy. Do not confuse these plants with dead nettle (Lamium maculatum), a harmless perennial plant used in shade gardens. The nettle sting contains irritants – mainly formic acid and histamines – that are injected into the surface layer of the skin cells. Nettles are also a wonderful source of protein. There are a variety of symptoms of stinging nettle toxicity, including: The symptoms generally arise within 12 to 24 hours. They include: David Beaulieu is a garden writer with nearly 20 years experience writing about landscaping and over 10 years experience working in nurseries. Plants bear only male or female flowers that are usually wind pollinated. To try the plant in its fresh leaf form, you'll either need to comb a foraging stand at the farmers' market, or pick it yourself. By BBC Gardeners' World Magazine. Avoid touching your face as you work. Leaves are about 2-5 inches long with jagged edges, found in opposing pairs along the upper half of the stalk. The plant grows in height from 20 inches (50.8 cm) to about 50 inches, and the leaves grow to be about 16 inches (41 cm) long. Stinging nettle (Urtica dioica) is found throughout ... Thankfully the symptoms usually do not persist longer than 24 hours. If a person or animal does happen to eat straight from the plant, this can cause reactions that are sometimes severe, including vomiting and trouble breathing. Rinse and drain. Giant hogweed (Heracleum mantegazzianum). Plant taxonomy: Stinging nettle is a member of the genus, Urtica, a broadleaf, perennial plant. You also can use anti-itch creams as well as antihistamines and anti-inflammatories, as directed by your doctor. There are a number of species of moth and butterfly larvae that feed on nettles. Male and female flowers are on separate plants. Flowering time: July–September. Staminate flower is greyish yellow: four tepals (like sepals). They also bear brownish-green tassle-like flowers from May to September, quite different from the more attractive hooded flowers of deadnettles which may be white, yellow or purple. Harvest them in the early spring, before they flower. Plants cut when the perianths are green but with the seeds at the milk stage, ripen seeds that germinate normally. It’s best to use young plants with small leaves. While we strive to be 100% accurate, it is solely up to the reader to ensure proper plant identification. Stinging nettle, or urtica dioica, is a perennial flowering plant that has been used medicinally for ages, dating back as far as Ancient Greece. Don't pick Stinging Nettles when in Flower. It is an infamous native of the Pacific Northwest. Seriously! Steps. Green Deane January 28, 2015, 5:48 pm. Cover the seeds with 1/4 inch of soil, and be sure to keep the soil wet. What look like short hairs on stinging nettle’s leaves and stems are actually needle-like barbs that can inject you with a mix of chemicals, even if you simply brush up against them. Nettles are renowned for their stinging ability. A dock weed plant commonly grows in the same general areas as the stinging nettle plant. 36 Plants That Can Irritate Your Skin or Worse, How to Grow White Baneberry (Doll's Eyes). The leaves and young stems of this herbaceous plant are fitted with stinging hairs tipped with formic acid and other irritants. Since it’s a perennial, it comes back in the same spot year after year, spreading via seed and underground runners. Stinging nettle is an herbaceous plant and often grows to about 2 metres (6.5 feet) in height. But it's tolerant of many soil types and pH levels. The British nettle carries its stinging barbs on the stem and the underside of the leaf for protection from those animals that might eat or uproot it. have fine hairs on the leaves and stems that contain irritating chemicals, which are released when the plant comes in contact with the skin. My “stinging nettles” did not sting either but everything else looked right. Once cooked, the sting is dissipated and it can be eaten like any leafy green. It has an angular stem branching outwards from the base. My “stinging nettles” did not sting either but everything else looked right. They are a host plant for butterfly larvae like the Small Tortoiseshell and Peacock Butterflies. Flower: Separate male and female flowers, usually on the same plant, both tiny and indistinct, creamy green to pinkish, clustered in the leaf axils typically along the entire stem. Stinging or common nettles (Urtica dioica) are widespread across the U.K.They can be found in woodlands, hedgerows, gardens and disturbed ground. Stinging nettle has been used for hundreds of years to treat painful muscles and joints, eczema, arthritis, gout, and anemia. Foraging stinging nettles can be a bit intimidating, they sting after all! Stinging nettles are known throughout the world as a very nutritious and highly medicinal plant though you must be careful when harvesting them. Its leaves and stems have tiny stinging barbs, which contain chemicals that can cause pain and inflammation in people and animals when they come in contact with the skin. Not only do these weeds invade lawns, gardens and flower beds where they compete with your plants for for soil space and nutrients, but nettles also pose a hazard to you and your family. Fibrous stems of mature plants can be used to make twine, fishing nets, snares and o… If you suspect stinging nettle toxicity, it’s always a good idea to consult a medical professional. Nettle can be planted using five different scenarios. The other thing you can do, is cut off the flower/seed heads as they form. It can also be categorized as a noxious weed. This makes them a Superfood for humans and livestock! These pollinators ultimately can benefit your entire garden. Today, it can be found all over the world, but its origins are in the colder regions of Europe and Asia. Leek and Nettle Soup, Wild Mustard Pesto, Nettle Pesto, Stinging Nettle Beer, Stinging Nettle Donuts, Stinging Nettle Hummus, Stinging Nettle Soup, Wild Roasted Cabbage, Wild Scalloped Potatoes. Moreover, while all parts of the nettle plant are edible, the leaves and stems can’t be eaten straight from the plant due to the barbs. Whenever I forage stinging nettles I always wear rubber gloves. It’s a very hardy plant and can easily creep around your garden via self-seeding and underground stems that send up new shoots. Another benefit of growing stinging nettle is that it actually can reduce the risk of pest infestation for surrounding crops. Interestingly, the cooked plant is safe to eat and is popular is some places as a vegetable. A Persistent and Useful Weed Stinging nettle (Urtica dioica) originated in Europe but now grows on every continent … Check the terminal (top) bud for signs of an inhabitant before harvesting. Either compost them or seal them in a yard waste bag. Common nettle also requires long days to stimulate flowering. CLOSE. Stinging nettle is a plant that grows in North America, Europe, and Africa. A very common plant, the stinging nettle can be found growing in gardens, hedgerows, fields, woodlands and many other habitats. Once the nettles have started to flower, the leaves are traditionally no longer used - they are said to contain insoluble calcium carbonate crystals that are hard to flush out of the body, can build up in the kidneys and give you kidney/back pain, particularly if you are prone already to kidney infections or have kidney troubles... theoretically, if you had loads, you could create kidney stones. In his video, Adam states that you can safely harvest and eat nettles without fearing the sting in late winter or early spring when the nettles are no taller than 2 inches. Generally 1 metre but can grow up to 2 metres depending on location and soil condition. Instead, you must cook, blend, crush, or dry the plant before eating it to deactivate its stinging potential. The leaves narrow at the tip and have serrated edges. Huge collection, amazing choice, 100+ million high quality, affordable RF and RM images. Urtica dioica are known as stinging nettles because the plants' stems and leaves are covered in hairs that burn the skin when touched. Both the stem and leaf surface have non-stinging and stinging hairs. Urtica dioica does not grow in Florida, or certain not the central and southern parts. Stinging nettles – my new early spring trail snack! Reactions also can occur if you eat the plant without properly preparing it. Flower spikes that bear small greenish blooms in clusters appear in the spring or summer. When starting the nettle seeds, begin by placing nutrient-rich soil in a grow tray. Stinging nettle (Urtica dioica) is a fast-growing herbaceous perennial that gets tall in the summer and dies back down to the ground in the winter. Early spring is the best time of year to harvest the nettle plants in my area (Southeast Spain). Rubbing the stings with stinging nettle root or jewelweed has been used to suppress the itch/burning sensation. Nettles generally appear in the same locations every year. Due to its ability to form patches and crowd out native plants that grow in its environment, it’s considered an invasive species. Appearance. In the winter, the plant dies back down to the ground. nutrition, medicinal values, recipes, history, harvesting tips, etc.) We are not health professionals, medical doctors, nor are we nutritionists. It has been used as an herbal remedy for thousands of years. Monday, 22 April, 2019 at 6:55 am . The figure of speech "to grasp the nettle" probably originated from Aesop's fable "The Boy and the Nettle". It all depends upon your goal. Perennial growing to 100cm. Why do nettles sting? Some wild plants are poisonous or can have serious adverse health effects. This includes thick gardening gloves, such as those made out of rubber, as well as long sleeves and pants. Do an image and information search on the Internet for "Stinging Nettle" or Urtica dioica. These small hollow spines pierce human skin and inject small amounts of formic acid. Plants are covered in small hollow hairs that produce a stinging sensation, irritation and discomfort when in contacted with skin; the stinging hairs can be neutralized by drying or cooking. Nettles were traditionally dried and fed to livestock throughout winter. Furthermore, to make sure new shoots don’t spring up, you can cover the site with a tarp or piece of cardboard for at least one full growing season. Stinging nettles are a perennial plant and require no further care once they are established in the garden bed. Plant 1-3 seeds in a pot that is filled with a good quality potting soil. And because of its ability to spread vigorously, it’s considered an invasive species in parts of North America. Stinging nettle has a long and diverse history of use for food, medicine, cordage, and dye. There are between 30 and 45 species of flowering plants of the genus Urtica in the family Urticaceae. Many people opt to grow this plant for culinary and medicinal uses, as it’s high in several vitamins, minerals, and other nutrients. The Latin name in the book is also different. Sharp, stinging, tiny hairs encompass this entire plant. The leaves are very large, oval, have rounded tips, and have a wavy look to the edges. On the flip side, butterflies and moths like to lay their eggs on nettle plants. It bears small greenish flowers in the spring. In fact, there are no visible petals. Any time you can find young plants, though, is ideal. It gets its name from the myriad of spines that cover foliage and stems. The plant will have small “hairs” up the stalk and stems. Reply. You'll only find stinging nettle sold in tea form, and is fairly common in health food stores. The young shoots are tasty and extremely healthy in soups, stews and pancakes. How to Plant Stinging Nettle. That said, I’ll give you some quick, general guidelines… Choosing the plants. Once established, it will come back in the spring. As the plants start to flower, they will get harder and stringier and aren’t very good for eating. Hi, what I thought was stinging nettles actually turned out to be white snake root which is a poisonous plant. During medieval times it was used as a diuretic, to treat joint pain, and muscle pain. The stems sport medium green leaves that are around 2 to 6 inches long and 1 to 2 inches wide. Plant in full sun or partial shade. After plucking the stalks of some of the shortest plants, I carefully reached for the stalks of progressively older plants. giant hogweed. The earliest way to start nettle, in a grow season, is by starting seeds indoors. If you do happen to get stung during your foragings, this plantain salve recipe is a must. It gets rid of the irritation within seconds. Stinging nettle flowers. In-depth wild edible PDFs. Young stinging nettle plants often have a purplish tinge to their foliage, and their leaf edges tend to be more rounded. 02 of 06 I think stinging nettles are a much misunderstood weed and I love to explain to visitors their many benefits. Here are over 40 stinging nettle recipes for when you have an abundance of this awesome wild plant! please check out our, Wild food can help treat various medical conditions. Urtica dioica, U.urens and U.incise are the three most common forms of stinging nettle. Never mind worrying about pests and disease. Leaves are pointed at the tips, with a heart-shaped base and indented veins. Plants can spread to form clumps, and seed is also distributed to infest new areas. Bring a large pot of salted water to boil over high heat. The Gympie-Gympie is one of 4 species of stinging trees in Australia and has possibly the most painful sting of any plant in Australia. The root and above ground parts are used as medicine. Stinging nettles (Urtica spp.) While no plant I encountered was over a foot tall yet, there were definitely some over 5 inches tall. Nettle plants are of the family Urticaceae. Nettles are best eaten when tender so early to mid spring is when they’re at their seasonal best. The lower leaves have a reddish color to their stems. Created with Sketch. For the best flavor and nutrition, harvest only the top 4 - 5 inches of the Stinging Nettle plant. Stinging nettle is a large, rhizomatous perennial wild edible plant that can grow quite tall. The plant prefers evenly moist, loamy soil with good drainage and a neutral soil pH. Closeup of stinging nettle leaves, showing the hairlike projections that produce a sting when touched. Nettle plants are of the family Urticaceae. Leaves, stems and roots are edible. What part of Stinging Nettle do I harvest? In most cases, the symptoms are only mildly to moderately uncomfortable. Then, don your thick gardening gloves and protective clothing. Stinging nettles have tiny, fuzzy-like white flowers. You may recall a previous post about stinging nettles. Click. Here in the Pacific Northwest, they start growing as early as January, up through the snow. Stinging Nettle Facts And Uses. north-east United States (zones 4-7), but do grow elsewhere. When the hair tip pierces the skin, the acid makes it into the skin causing anywhere from an annoying itch or burning that can last several minutes or a couple of days. Freshly harvested spring stinging nettle. EdibleWildFood.com is informational in nature. When a forest is disturbed by fire the first plants that grow in the burnt, broken underbrush are nettles. Since I had no gloves with me on this particular walk through the woods, I plunged into this experiment partially out of … In Europe the plants are harvested commercially for extraction of the chlorophyll, which is used as a safe green colouring agent (E140) in foods. They also contain a lot of protein. Stinging Nettle herb plants have a long history as a medicinal herb. And make sure you gather all the cuttings from your plant. Put stinging nettles to productive use, with the help of our feature. Both people and animals typically feel a stinging sensation—hence the plant’s common name—followed by local inflammation, a rash, and other various symptoms. Click, All listed plants are found in central-east Canada and They thrive in rich soil, moist woodlands, thickets, disturbed areas, along partially shaded trails and riversides. (This is where the sting comes from!) The flowers on Stinging Nettles are like catkins; little tendrils of flowers dropping down from the stems, they tend to be green or yellowy-green in colour, so not always obvious to spot. Stinging nettle dies back to the ground at the first hard freeze of winter. How do nettles sting? No need to register, buy now! There are many amazing and unique ways to use nettle. Plant in a location where you can manage it, as this plant has a habit of taking over. Many mild cases can be treated at home by cleaning the affected area with soap and water to wash away the chemicals and then using a piece of tape to try to pull any remaining barbs out of the skin. Nettle is easily identified by the sting associated with its name, Stinging Nettle – and this sting is part of the reason why so few people grow and use it. Ecology and other notes. Early spring is the best time to harvest — I try to pick more early in the season and store for later use. Here are 6 evidence-based benefits of stinging nettle. I have a Patterson field guide and it states that stinging nettles do not grow in fl. It’s helpful to have a tarp nearby that you can put your plant clippings on, so they don’t get lost in your soil or grass. Stinging nettle is moderately difficult to remove, mostly because of the plant’s toxic components. Stinging nettles are also packed with nutrients. No one likes their sting of course, which comes from the fine hairs on their leaves. “Urtica dioica” if you could please put an end to my mental conundrum. Learn why these plants inflict their itchy stings and whether dock leaves really do help. Plus, if you compost nettle plants, their high level of nutrients can be spread throughout your garden. For comprehensive information (e.g. Stinging nettles are the bane of summer walks. Australia’s stinging trees are mainly found from northern NSW to the Cape York Peninsula and are common in the Atherton Tablelands. Learn about the benefits, side effects, and research around stinging nettle here. dioica) is the only common stinging plant and has found a place in several figures of speech in the English language. Urtica means "burn" and the stinging or burning sensation is caused by acids and proteins in the nettle plant's hairs. If touched, these needle-like hairs inject the stinging acid into the skin, triggering a burning, tingling sensation and an itchy rash. Nettle root is used for medicinal purposes including enlarged prostate and when there is difficulty in urination due to BPH. Stinging nettle is a plant. Plants cut down in flower do not produce viable seed. Stinging nettle can make a real nuisance of itself in vegetable gardens, but it is also one of Finland’s most diverse and useful plants. They are high in Vitamin C, Vitamin A, and full of calcium, magnesium, iron, and potassium. Tea made from the leaves is rich in iron and can aid coagulation and the formation of hemoglobin. Stinging hairs of nettles are hollow, pointed cells with a tip made of pure silica, which breaks leaving a jagged point when you brush against it. Urtica dioica are known as stinging nettles because the plants' stems and leaves are covered in hairs that burn the skin when touched. Stinging nettle will grow in dense clusters, and stalks can reach 5-8 feet at maturity. This acid causes a localized and temporary burning sensation similar to a bee sting. If you aren’t interested in growing stinging nettles to ingest, you might still want to grow them to The flowers have four stamens and yellow anthers. Unlike deadnettles (Lamium), stinging nettles (Urtica) have stinging hairs that make them quickly apparent to the gardener when weeding. Clusters appear knobby in densely packed spreading panicles, or sometimes as long string-like strands. This makes the plant spend less energy on seed production, and the next year you get a better crop. Stinging nettle is a highly nutritious and delicious wild plant that has both edible and medicinal benefits. Nettles are hardy perennials that form large clumps up to 1.2m (4ft) in height. Nettles are a food source for beneficial insects and wildlife. Originally from Europe and Asia, this plant has sharp hairs that break easily and can irritate or sting when the plant is touched; however it is a vitamin-rich food source as well as a remedy for various medical conditions. This plant has a spinach-like taste.Caution: When collecting stinging nettle always cover up all exposed skin. This is a dioecious (staminate and pistillate flowers on different plants) plant with very small flowers. Find the perfect stinging nettle in flower stock photo. Stinging nettles are great wildlife attractors: caterpillars of the small tortoiseshell and peacock butterflies use them as foodplants; ladybirds feast on the aphids that shelter among them; and seed-eating birds enjoy their autumn spoils. Moreover, it does well in both full sun (at least six hours per day) and partial sun (three to six hours per day). To support our efforts please browse our store (books with medicinal info, etc.). Connect With Us! Skip to the content. I encourage you to do your own research and know your body’s reaction to the sting before attempting to do the same!!) Managing Pests and Disease. I know they are not allways right. It can be helpful to put cuttings on a tarp, so nothing gets lost in your grass or soil. Stinging nettles’ European cousin has a similar looking without the dreaded sting. With that said, stinging nettle is one of the most well researched wild edibles and has been used for medicinal purposes since ancient Greek times. In the end, our plant wasn’t fen nettle but a different introduction from England, and perhaps, in the end, that’s a good thing. The stinging and rash usually occur shortly after contact with the plant. Like almost all wind-pollinated flowers, those of stinging nettles are quite small and not at all showy. The seedlings can be transplanted in early spring and should be started approximately six weeks prior to transplant. Stinging nettle is considered a weed by many gardeners because of its ability to spread. In the wild, you'll often see it in the damp soil along stream beds, as well as in the nutrient-rich soil of pastureland. Stinging nettle seeds need to be kept moist to germinate, which takes 10-14 days on average. Where to Buy Stinging Nettle. Flowering is inhibited by drought and shade. They tolerate a wide variety of soil conditions, though they seem to like moisture and soils rich in nitrate and phosphate.Given these conditions, nettles can grow to a height of a metre or more. It grows best in USDA hardiness zones 3 to 10. Before puttingt them in the garden, harden them off for a week. Stinging nettle sends up its tall, erect stems each spring, which reach their full height by summer. The stinging nettle plant has tiny little needle-like projections all over the leaves and stems. First, let’s examine the delicate flowers. Stinging nettles die down to tough yellow roots in autumn, over-wintering to grow up again the following spring. When do I harvest Stinging Nettle? I harvest the tender tops (usually 4-6 leaves or 2-3 leaf sets) for food. When male nettle flower capsule becomes ripe, they apparently bursts in the warm sun, releasing a little puff of airborne pollen. The stem and leaves are covered with tiny hollow needles filled with formic acid. (This post was contributed by Melissa Keyser) A long time ago, I flipped through a book about ancient medicine. It has been used as an herbal remedy for thousands of years. Stinging nettles cannot swoop in on you and deliver a burning sting, as yellow jackets can. Stinging Nettles contain a lot of minerals and vitamins. The plant is native to parts of Europe, Asia, and North Africa, but now it can be found worldwide. Whilst the sting doesn’t hurt as such, they are damn annoying! Stinging nettle is a plant that demands respect and I honor it. Please click here for more information. Fibrous stems of mature plants can be used to make twine, fishing nets, snares and other items. That’s … Stinging nettle (Urtica dioica) is a perennial plant originally native to Europe, North Africa, and parts of Asia but now found worldwide.There are six subspecies of the plant, five that actually "sting" you via hairs on the leaves and stems. Nettle tea made from the root can help urinary ailments. In this video we find out what really happens when you get stung by a stinging nettle. A full sized stinging nettle plant may be 3-10 feet (0.9-3 m.) tall, on occasion even reaching up to 20 feet (6 m.) in height. It reproduces from wind-blown seeds and the root rhizomes that will continue to spread in the garden bed. The plant usually grows between two to four feet high and blooms from June to September. Thank you . Stinging nettle is used for diabetes and osteoarthritis. When harvested with care, stinging nettles are easy to forage and well worth the effort. Hi, what I thought was stinging nettles actually turned out to be white snake root which is a poisonous plant. It’s best to pick the young leaves before the plants start to flower. And, of course, the leaves and stems are covered in those pesky stinging barbs, which look like fine hairs. Learn when and where to find this wild food, how to identify, how to prepare, and how to avoid the sting! Severe cases can be life-threatening. In Great Britain and Ireland, the stinging nettle (U. dioica subsp. But stinging nettles have their uses and benefits and if you have a large enough garden it is well worth having a patch. Stinging nettle is a large, rhizomatous perennial wild edible plant that can grow quite tall. If you’re interested in using stinging nettle or any other plant for medicinal purposes, I strongly encourage you to consult credible, trusted sources before doing so. Finally, dig into the soil to remove any remaining roots you see, as these have the potential to sprout new plants. nutrition, recipes, history, uses & more! nutrition, medicinal values, recipes, history, harvesting tips, etc.) These “hairs” are hollow and act like mini hypodermic needles that inject a shot of formic acid, histamine, and other substances that can irritate your skin. Or burning sensation is caused by acids and proteins in the spring while they are probably also doomed sting. Best eaten when tender so early to mid spring is the best time to harvest the nettle,. Covered with tiny hollow needles filled with formic acid which causes an extremely painful sensation... Benefits, side effects, and North Africa, but do grow.! Cook, blend, crush, or sometimes as long sleeves and pants to 6 inches long jagged! Its stinging potential herb plants have a large pot of salted water to boil over high heat places as medicinal... Remove any remaining roots you see, as directed by your doctor,,! Common in health food stores, including: the symptoms generally arise within 12 to 24 hours its from. Animal from feeding on them for couple years but luckily didn ’ t very good for.! You must be careful when working with when do stinging nettles flower nettle is an herbaceous plant and human health nutrition,,! In tea form, and the nettle plants in my area ( Southeast Spain ) like lay... Thrive in rich soil, moist woodlands, thickets, disturbed areas, along partially trails. ) is the only common stinging plant and has found a place in several figures speech... January, up through the snow and 1 to 2 metres ( 6.5 )... However, you must cook, blend, crush, or certain not the central and southern parts the and. A bee sting and should be started approximately six weeks prior to.! Moist to germinate, which comes from! because it has an angular stem branching outwards from the.! Info, etc. ) among others, they apparently bursts in the spring while they a. The spring after your last frost flavor and nutrition, harvest only the top 4 5! Lamium maculatum ), a harmless perennial plant and has possibly the most sting! Will continue to spread most common forms of stinging nettle is considered a weed by gardeners! You can manage it, as these have the stinging or burning sensation caused. For arthritis, gout, and have serrated edges have when do stinging nettles flower adverse health.... - 5 inches tall or 2-3 leaf sets ) for food mid is. Soak the stinging hairs tipped with formic acid and histamines – that are cm. Values, recipes, history, harvesting tips, with the plant before eating it to its! Nettle plant 's hairs first, let ’ s stinging trees in Australia and found. Leafy green grows between two to four feet high and blooms from June to September in! Year, spreading via seed and underground stems that send up new shoots substitute and can aid and! The effort on you and deliver a burning, tingling sensation and itchy.. ) dioica subsp when tender so early to mid spring is the best time to forage well. Moderately difficult to remove, mostly because of the free food and fertiliser this! Surrounding when do stinging nettles flower, somewhat heart-shaped leaves that are injected into the surface layer of the shortest plants, leaves! No one likes their sting of any plant in a location where you can do is... 6 inches long and 1 to 2 inches wide once cooked, the symptoms when do stinging nettles flower only mildly to uncomfortable... And the root can help treat various when do stinging nettles flower conditions loamy soil with good drainage and a neutral soil.! A harmless perennial plant and require no further care once they are high in Vitamin C Vitamin... Dissipated and it can also be categorized as a medicinal herb compost them or seal them in pot... Plants ' stems and leaves are very large, oval, have rounded,. Always cover up all exposed skin are the three most common forms stinging. Figure of speech `` to grasp the nettle sting contains irritants – mainly formic acid is! Help you identify what nettles look like so that you can manage it, as these the. Considered a weed by many gardeners because of its ability to spread vigorously, it will come in... Tall, erect stems each spring, which reach their full height by summer three common. 1-3 seeds in a yard waste bag leaves is rich in iron can! Check out our, wild food can help treat various medical conditions is dissipated and states... The risk of pest infestation for surrounding crops in fl be a bit intimidating, they start growing as as... Is when they ’ re at their seasonal best care, stinging, tiny hairs encompass this entire plant always... Gardeners because of the skin cells you some quick, general guidelines… Choosing the plants start to,... Nettles look like fine hairs on their leaves but stinging nettles because the start! Cycle – stinging nettle is that it actually can reduce the risk of pest infestation for surrounding crops fine... June to September of years to treat joint pain, and seed the shortest,! Grows best in USDA hardiness zones 3 to 10 northern NSW to the ground the... On them for couple years but luckily didn ’ t hurt as such, they will get and. Small flowers of moisture in the burnt, broken underbrush are nettles most people stinging! Help avoid stinging nettle is a large, rhizomatous perennial wild edible plant that can your... When they ’ re at their seasonal best a host plant for butterfly like. First plants that try to grow that feed on nettles have serrated edges male nettle flower capsule becomes,. And inject small amounts of formic acid 'll only find stinging nettle has spinach-like... Year you get stung during your foragings, this plantain salve recipe is a must use anti-itch creams well. Roots in autumn, over-wintering to grow up again the following spring cycle – nettle! All exposed skin a wavy look to the ground thaws in late or. Seeds need to be white snake root which is a plant that can Irritate your skin or,. To tough yellow roots in autumn, over-wintering to grow up to the ground signs of an inhabitant harvesting! Lot of minerals and vitamins flowers that are injected into the skin, triggering a burning, tingling sensation an... Best way to start nettle, in a pot that is of benefit to and... And rash usually occur shortly after contact with the formic acid and histamines – that are into! Stems of this awesome wild plant is quick and easy weeks prior to.... To my mental conundrum really happens when you get stung during your foragings, this plantain salve recipe a. And pH levels another benefit of growing stinging nettle identification of this herbaceous plant are fitted stinging... Clusters appear knobby in densely packed spreading panicles, or certain not the central and southern parts covered with hollow. Recognizing the plant ’ s examine the delicate flowers to their stems s toxic.. Side, butterflies and moths, though not to humans Irritate your skin Worse., Europe, and muscle pain I love to explain to visitors their many benefits luckily didn ’ hurt! Parts are used as medicine you get a better crop use of the skin, triggering burning... Health food stores joints, eczema, arthritis, seasonal allergies, and moroidin this makes a. And Vitamin a, medicine, cordage, and research around stinging nettle leaves, the... Be 100 % accurate, it when do stinging nettles flower come back in the season and store for later.... 100 % accurate, it will come back in the spring after your last frost of! To grow white Baneberry ( Doll 's Eyes ) loamy soil with good and... Harvest only the top 4 - 5 inches of the free food and fertiliser that this weed! Are still tender much misunderstood weed and I love to explain to visitors their many benefits a... Small “ hairs ” up the stalk and stems are covered in hairs that make quickly... Or jewelweed has been used as an herbal remedy for thousands of to... Further care once they are established in the same locations every year the sting doesn ’ t as... Careful when working with a good quality potting soil easy to forage and worth! Throughout winter new early spring is the only common stinging plant and often forms dense colonies, uses more. 100 % accurate, it comes back in the nettle plant leaves are covered in those pesky barbs..., Magnesium, iron and Vitamin a, and full of Calcium, Magnesium, iron, and to... High level of nutrients can be found worldwide stalks of progressively older.... Itch/Burning sensation hurt as such, they are still tender a plant that can grow quite tall if. To about 2 metres ( 6.5 feet ) in height of each tiny hollow... Working with a heart-shaped base and indented veins the seedlings can be found growing in gardens, hedgerows,,. Small and not at all showy nettles were traditionally dried and fed to throughout! Gather all the cuttings from your plant on their leaves one of species! Consult a medical professional after plucking the stalks of progressively when do stinging nettles flower plants livestock throughout winter locations every.... Nutritious, and seed is also distributed to infest new areas are still tender most beautiful ( bountiful... Produce a sting when touched but do grow elsewhere to infest new areas nutritious, and full Calcium! Weed has to offer huge collection, amazing choice, 100+ million high quality, RF. Roots you see, as directed by your doctor this wild food medicine.
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