Urtica angustifolia
Urtica angustifolia
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Pl. 9855 — Urtica angustifolia
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IOverview
Overview
Urtica angustifolia, commonly known as narrow-leaved nettle, is a perennial plant native to the northern and central regions of Eurasia, including parts of Europe, Asia, and North America. It thrives in moist, light (sandy), medium, or heavy (clay) soils with a pH between 7 and 7.5, making it adaptable but preferring slightly alkaline conditions. This plant is known for its edible leaves and shoots, which can be harvested for culinary use. Its native range includes areas such as Altay, Amur, Austria, and parts of China North-Central. One distinctive feature of Urtica angustifolia is its light texture; it grows to a height of 1.5 meters, contributing to its presence in various habitats across its extensive native range.
Quick answers
What is Urtica angustifolia?
Urtica angustifolia, commonly known as narrow-leaved nettle, is a perennial plant native to the northern and central regions of Eurasia, including parts of Europe, Asia, and North America. It thrives in moist, light (sandy), medium, or heavy (clay) soils with a pH between 7 and 7.
What is Urtica angustifolia used for?
Traditionally used for topical & skin, immune support. Each claim is evidence-rated — see Section II for full citations.
Best for
Top 2 evidence-ranked uses of Urtica angustifolia
Clinicaluses · safety · chemistry · dosagemedicinal profile
IIBenefits & evidence
2 claims · 0 sources
Benefits & evidence
2 claims · 0 sources- Traditional-use note: Urtica angustifolia appears in herbal sources around traditional skin-care routines, often as a topical preparation. PlantSage presents this as ethnobotanical context, not as medical advice.
Traditional context only. This reviewed claim keeps the original moderate confidence level, but avoids treatment, disease, dosage, or guaranteed-effect language.
- Urtica species have been traditionally used in European and Asian herbal medicine to support immune function, often prepared as a tea or decoction. This preparation may help maintain overall health during seasonal changes.
The mechanism is not fully characterised but likely involves the presence of antioxidants such as flavonoids and phenolic acids which can modulate inflammatory responses.
IV·bMixology suggestions
1 draft
Mixology suggestions
1 draftEditorial drafts. These pairings are AI-suggested from traditional herbal lore. Always verify with a qualified herbalist before brewing.
Urtica angustifolia support blend
generaltea
AI returned a direct ingredient list; normalized into one draft blend for editorial review.
Growingconditions · propagation · uses
VCultivation
Cultivation
Urtica angustifolia thrives in moist conditions and prefers light (sandy), medium, or heavy (clay) soils with a pH of 7-7.5. It is hardy in temperate regions and can grow up to 1.5 meters tall. This perennial plant requires full sun to partial shade for optimal growth. For propagation, gardeners can use division or seed sowing. The edible parts include leaves and shoots, making it a valuable addition to the garden for both ornamental and culinary purposes.
Light
8/10
Water
Moist
Soil
Light (sandy), Medium, Heavy (clay)
Life cycle
Perennial
Mature size
1.5 m tall
Soil pH
7–7.5
For first-time growers
How to grow Urtica angustifolia for the first time
8steps
Start with a simple and adaptable approach to growing Urtica angustifolia.
- 1
What you'll need
A small plot of well-draining soil, seeds or young plants, and gardening tools like a trowel.
- 2
Best time to plant
Plant in early spring when the ground is workable, or in late summer for fall harvests.
- 3
Soil and container prep
Ensure soil is moist but well-draining with a pH of 7–7.5. Use containers if you have limited space.
- 4
Sowing or transplanting
Direct sow seeds in the ground, covering them lightly. Alternatively, transplant young plants into prepared soil.
- 5
First two weeks
Keep the soil consistently moist and protect from extreme weather conditions during this critical period.
- 6
Ongoing care
Water regularly to maintain moisture levels but avoid overwatering. Mulch around the base for added moisture retention.
- 7
Harvest or pruning
Prune or harvest leaves and shoots when they are young and tender, typically in spring and early summer.
- 8
Common mistakes
Overwatering, planting too deep, neglecting to mulch, and not protecting from extreme weather.
VIEdible & utility
Edible & utility
Edible parts:LeavesShoots
Edible uses: Drink
Other uses:CompostDyeFiberHairAnimal feed
Contextrange · companions · related
VIIDistribution
30 native · 0 introduced
Distribution
30 native · 0 introducedDistribution across2 continents· 30 native
Europe10 regions
native (10)AustriaDenmarkFinlandFranceGermanyNorwayPolandRussiaSpainUnited Kingdom
Asia4 regions
native (4)ChinaJapanMongoliaSouth Korea
Broader regions
native:Altay, Amur, Baltic States, Buryatiya, Chita, Czechoslovakia, Irkutsk, Kamchatka, Khabarovsk, Krasnoyarsk, Magadan, Primorye, Sakhalin
IXSpecimen gallery
1 image
Specimen gallery
1 imageXSee also
8 related
See also
8 relatedPlants you might compare or use together — scored by shared family, common use cases, and growing requirements.
shared use cases
Different families, similar therapeutic role — good for comparing.
XI
Explore further
Companion planting
Health goals
Compare with similar plants
XII
About this entry
- Last updated
- Citation
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